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Shortlist of Nominations for Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Panel to select one from shortlist of seven players who starred in the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Championship

Galway’s march to claim the title of Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Champions has seen the Tribesmen yield three nominations for the Breaking Through Player of the Year award, trio Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and team captain Barry Daly. Also shortlisted for the award are Limerick duo Shane Dowling and Declan Hannon, with Aidan Walsh of Cork and Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador and Dublin captain Liam Rushe completing the list of contenders for the honour.

The Breaking Through Player of the Year award recognises the overall stand out player of the 2011 Championship. A panel made up of Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager and newly appointed Cork selector, Ger Cunningham, RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Micheál O Domhnaill of TG4, U-21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning and former Waterford great Ken McGrath will deliberate on a winner from the seven nominees. The winning player will receive a trophy and voucher worth €1000 to mark his achievement.

Speaking about the award, Ger Cunningham said, “Bord Gáis Energy is delighted to be able to recognise the talent of our U-21 hurlers with the Breaking Through Player of the Year Award and, once again this year, a group of outstanding players has been nominated for the award. This year’s Championship has produced hurling at the very highest of standards, generating plenty of thrilling clashes. Whoever the judging panel eventually picks as the winner will thoroughly deserve it.”

Unsurprisingly, All-Ireland Champions Galway dominate the list of nominees. Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and team captain Barry Daly were all instrumental in seeing the Westerners push one step further this year by defeating Limerick and Dublin en route to lifting the Cross of Cashel.

Although Limerick were edged out in an exhilarating All-Ireland Semi Final against eventual winners Galway, the Shannonsiders captured their first Munster title since 2002 against Cork after extra time in a match that will be long-remembered in the minds of many. Two players to impress the judges throughout their championship campaign were Declan Hannon, scoring 1-4 in that Munster decider, and Shane Dowling who finished the 2011 championship with 2-16 to his credit.

Another star of the Munster Final to make this year’s shortlist was Cork dual star Aidan Walsh. The Kanturk clubman scored 1-1 against 2010 All-Ireland winners Tipperary and was monumental against Limerick, scoring eight points from play in what was one of the finest individual displays of the year.

Walsh’s fellow nominee Liam Rushe was immense for Dublin throughout their championship run to the All-Ireland Final. The Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador put in a fitting leader’s performance in their Leinster Final victory against Wexford, collecting the man of the match accolade, and had a fine year operating between centre forward and centre back.

The winner will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year Shortlist:
Liam Rushe (Dublin)
Barry Daly (Galway)
Niall O’Donoghue (Galway)
Aidan Walsh (Cork)
Shane Dowling (Limerick)
Declan Hannon (Limerick)
Niall Burke (Galway)

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Awesome Rebel Firepower

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Cork 4-19 Tipperary 1-21
By Fintan O’Toole
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Recent meetings against Tipperary in the U21 grade have been painful experiences for Cork with extra-time defeats in the last two years but the memories of those clashes were erased courtesy of a powerful winning performance in last night’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC semi-final in Semple Stadium.

This match had assumed extra significance given Cork’s hurling travails at other levels this season and the U21 team delivered a timely success. The latest offering maintained the theme of pulsating encounters between the counties at underage level in recent seasons but in a game that produced 45 scores in 60 minutes of play, Cork’s greater potency up front was key in front of 4,629 patrons.

“We’re very pleased and it was a hugely satisfying performance,” admitted Cork manager Ger Fitzgerald. “We got a fabulous start but they came back at us as. Goals were the key for us tonight and our men inside had the courage to take on the defenders to go for goals. But we have to keep our feet on the ground now and realise that we’ve nothing won. We’ve to play the winners of Clare and Limerick now, and that’ll be very difficult.”

Luke O’Farrell was in dazzling form in the opening stages and he unleashed a bullet to the top corner of the net in the fifth minute, after Christopher Joyce had made a brilliant block in defence to kickstart the move.

Dean Brosnan fired home the second in the 23rd minute with a rasping shot that came back off the stanchion and that was a reward for his promising endeavours. Conor Lehane bundled home the third in the 36th minute and that exemplified the greater impact the Midleton youngster made in the second half, as he benefited from a switch to full-forward before the break.

The final goal was registered by Aidan Walsh, a sublime finish in the 46th minute, and he had a storming second half as Tipperary found it impossible to halt his dominance in the aerial exchanges. Cork’s remaining forwards also shone, with Michael O’Sullivan playing an important role in helping to stymie the influence exerted by Noel McGrath while Jamie Coughlan weighed in with a 0-5 haul.

Tipperary were unable to build on their quarter-final win over Waterford yet their recovery from a disastrous start had seemingly placed them right in contention. Cork’s early play was electric as they sprinted into a 1-7 to 0-1 lead by the ninth minute but remarkably Tipperary had whittled away that advantage within 10 minutes.

They never panicked and their corner-forward John O’Dwyer displayed superb accuracy from placed balls. Tipperary’s tactic of direct ball into Brian O’Meara paid off handsomely in the 15th minute when he grabbed a delivery by Kieran Morris and lashed a shot to the roof of the net. Brosnan’s goal afforded Cork some breathing space in the face of that Tipperary onslaught yet the game was delicately balanced as Cork lead 2-10 to 1-12 at the break.

Before the teams headed for the dressing rooms Fitzgerald expressed his displeasure to referee Michael Wadding at his first-half officiating and there was legitimacy to his complaints with the final free count standing 18-5 in Tipperary’s favour.

“I was unhappy,” revealed the Cork manager. “I just wanted to make the point that I felt they were getting frees a little easier. It didn’t improve in the second half so obviously what I said didn’t work but that’s the way it is.”

Tipperary made the brighter start to the second half as they outscored Cork 0-6 to 1-2 in the third quarter. Yet critically Cork tightened up in defence with substitute Damien Cahalane exerting a steadying influence, Joyce continuing to impress and captain William Egan leading the way. Goalkeeper Darren McCarthy made a vital save in the third quarter from O’Dwyer and was also alert to clear his lines as Morris stole in on goal.

At the other end Tipperary were struggling as their full-back line was placed under immense pressure while McCarthy’s puckouts repeatedly found the hand of Walsh at left half-forward. The Kanturk man’s goal opened the floodgates and in the closing exchanges Lehane and Coughlan split the posts with a succession of classy scores. Midfielder Adrian Ryan hit some good points for Tipperary yet they were unable to make real headway and the late switch of Noel McGrath to attack failed to alter the course of the game. Cork registered 1-7 in the final quarter while only conceding 0-3 and the strength of that finish propelled them to a place in the final on August 3.

Scorers for Cork: C Lehane 1-4, L O’Farrell 1-3, D Brosnan 1-2, A Walsh 1-1, J Coughlan 0-5 (0-2f), M O’Sullivan 0-2, W Egan (0-1f), S O’Farrell 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tipperary: J O’Dwyer 0-11 (0-10f), B O’Meara 1-1, N McGrath 0-3 (0-3f), A Ryan, S Curran 0-2 each, K Morris, J O’Neill 0-1 each.

CORK: D McCarthy; C Joyce, E Finn, S Corry; J Nagle, W Egan, M Ellis; S O’Farrell, D Roche; D Brosnan, C Lehane, A Walsh; L O’Farrell, M O’Sullivan, J Coughlan.

Subs: D Drake for Roche (half-time), D Cahalane for Finn (42), E O’Sullivan for S O’Farrell (58).

TIPPERARY: P Ryan; C Haugh, K O’Gorman, S O’Brien; J Barry, N McGrath, P Heffernan; B Stapleton, A Ryan; J O’Neill, S Curran, P Murphy; K Morris, B O’Meara, J O’Dwyer.

Subs: J Gallagher for Barry (25), S Maher for O’Brien (half-time), M Sheedy for Morris (50), W Maher for Murphy (54).

Referee: Michael Wadding (Waterford).

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Goal-hungry Tipp hold off late Déise surge

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Tipperary 4-12
Waterford 1-16
By Fintan O’Toole

TIPPERARY rounded off a splendid four-day period for hurling in the county with success in last night’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC quarter-final in Semple Stadium but only after withstanding a storming second-half performance by a 14-man Waterford side.

Before an attendance of 4,392 spectators Tipperary looked to have wrapped up their place in the provincial semi-final when they enjoyed an eight-point advantage, 3-11 to 0-12, with ten minutes remaining. Waterford’s prospects were damaged greatly when Owen Whelan, who had been introduced as a half-time substitute, was sent-off for a second yellow card in the 40th minute. Yet despite the bleakness of the situation, Waterford mounted a terrific rally in a pulsating finale.

They chipped away at Tipperary’s advantage courtesy of the flawless freetaking of Philip Mahony while inside attackers Brian O’Sullivan and Maurice Shanahan, who overcame injury to start, caused constant difficulties for the Premier rearguard. They had trimmed Tipperary’s advantage to six points entering injury-time before receiving a lifeline when O’Sullivan finished expertly to the net after Jake Dillon had delivered a precise pass forward.

Waterford effectively harnessed the momentum generated from that goal and nearly raised a second green flag within seconds but Pauric Mahony’s fierce whip was blocked smartly by Tipperary netminder Paul Ryan. Substitute Owen Connors flicked over a point to reduce the deficit to two but the match was then settled as a contest in the closing minute. Waterford poured forward but despite Shanahan seeming to be fouled during an attack, referee Diarmuid Kirwan waved play on and Tipperary swept downfield in clinical fashion. Paddy Murphy prised open the Waterford defence when he popped a pass through and corner-forward John O’Neill slammed home his second goal of the game.

That was the insurance score that secured Tipperary a spot in the semi-final against Cork on July 20th yet there was more relief than joy in their ranks at the final whistle after surviving that nervous finish. Ultimately Tipperary did enough in the first-half to engineer victory. They produced some spellbinding passages of play in the opening thirty minutes to lead 2-9 to 0-7 at the interval and indeed by the 24th minute they had been in the ascendancy by ten points. Tipperary, lead by their outstanding captain Noel McGrath at midfield, settled better to the rhythms of the game and dominated the key sectors of the pitch from the off.

After a feisty start to the match when a series of skirmishes developed either side of the throw-in, Tipperary grabbed the game’s opening score in the 3rd minute when Brian O’Meara was hauled to the ground after a superb catch and McGrath lashed the resultant penalty to the net. Ten minutes later Tipperary notched their second goal when Sean Curran batted home after O’Neill did the spade work. Tipperary’s hurling was sharp all around the pitch with corner-back Ciaran Haugh and wing-forward Adrian Ryan impressing most.

Waterford were guilty of poor shooting as they fired six wides in the opening twenty minutes but they managed to correct that element of their game before the break with Shanahan and O’Sullivan excelling. That duo continued to inspire the Déise after the interval and by the 39th minute Tipperary’s lead had been notably shaved to 2-9 to 0-10. However the dismissal of Whelan unsettled Waterford and Tipperary capitalised with O’Neill crashing to the net in the 44th minute after good work by O’Meara to create the chance. Tipperary should have kicked on from there but Waterford, with Jamie Barron, Philip Mahony and O’Sullivan all powering into the game, refused to wilt and came close to overhauling their opponents.

Scorers for Tipperary: J O’Neill 2-2; N McGrath 1-1 (1-0 pen); S Curran 1-0; A Ryan 0-3 each; J O’Dwyer 0-2 (0-1f); B O’Meara, B Stapleton, P Murphy, M Sheedy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: B O’Sullivan 1-4; Pauric Mahony 0-6 (0-6f); M Shanahan 0-4; J Dillon, O Connors 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: P Ryan; C Haugh, K O’Gorman, S Maher; B Stapleton, J Barry, P Heffernan; N McGrath, J Gallagher; S Curran, P Murphy, A Ryan; J O’Neill, B O’Meara, J O’Dwyer. Subs: S O’Brien for Barry (inj) (half-time), A McCormack for Gallagher (39), M Sheedy for Curran (55).

WATERFORD: S O’Keeffe; J Barron, D Fives, N Connors; P Prendergast, Philip Mahony, S Daniels; S Roche, A Brophy; E Murphy, Pauric Mahony, M O’Neill; B O’Sullivan, M Shanahan, J Dillon. Subs: O Whelan for O’Neill (half-time), O Connors for Brophy (47), E Madigan for Murphy (55).

Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)

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Where did that year go!

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

As I stood pitch side in Croke Park last week for the photo call it was hard to get my head around the fact that another year had gone by and that we were back where we were 12 months previous.

I was delighted to be asked back again, primarily as a judge in the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year competition, but also as guest blogger and match predictor on breakingthrough.ie. The opportunity my role gives me to attend so many top class games is one that was hard to leave behind.

However I wasn’t the only one making a return.

Once again this year, Ger Cunningham (former Cork great but also the Bord Gáis Energy Sports Sponsorship Manager) is my nemesis in the online Head 2 Head competition and as Joanne Cantwell put us through our paces at the launch it was great to see that Ger was full of his old tricks – trying to prise valuable Galway hurling insights from me, but I am wise to his ways now and all he got this year was a “Yerrah”!

He’ll have to get up earlier next year to catch me out!

Ken McGrath was one of the new faces however. It will be a strange Summer of hurling as Waterford go in to battle without him patrolling the Déise rearguard. Apart from the cast on his broken thumb, he is still looking so fit and it is hard to believe that he is no longer hurling at the top level. He is one of the best players I have ever seen.

While another year would have been on his mind given that he togged out during the National League, Ken has given more than plenty over the years to the Waterford cause and nobody can begrudge him his retirement.

His new challenge though is how he adapts to the role of Breaking Through Player of the Year judge – no blue tinted specs allowed Ken!

Outside of the judging panel, there were players aplenty in HQ in their role as Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Ambassadors. In some ways it was the same old faces, or maybe I should say new faces in the same old jerseys, as I looked at the latest young guns lining up ahead of the campaign with their respective U-21 county teams.

The beauty of this competition as we all know is that this is the last true knock out competition in hurling – so unfortunately many of the players that togged out in Croke Park last week, won’t see July, never mind August.

All that training. All that heart break. All that effort. Gone in 60 minutes. The last true bastion of knock out hurling but that is what makes it so special.

There is certainly an argument in favour of knock out when you see the extra bite or the extra edge that it gives a game – but I won’t be calling for that if Westmeath beat us this Saturday night in Mullingar!

They were given no chance of beating an up and coming Carlow team in their first match and after coming through that they will have lots of confidence. Brian Hanley is also their manager (an Athenry man) and he will know us all inside out. He will have them well prepared and I should know. Brian was coach to me and a few more of the guys on the Galway U-21’s over the past few seasons.

Our own preparations are going well. We had a good win over Limerick last weekend in a challenge match. Great to see Skehill and Monty (Alan Kerins) back in a maroon jersey it has to be said.

My preparations ain’t going well though as I have had a few problems with injury for much of the season so far and it’s touch and go to see if I will be available for selection. Fingers crossed I will be fit.

Anyway, knock out or not – we’ll be ready for Westmeath.

The first knock out blow in the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship will be to Tipperary or Waterford as they take centre stage tonight on the very sod where the Premier County put on probably the performance of last years U-21 championship when they beat Galway in the All-Ireland Final.

It is a huge task for Waterford and for Noel Connors, one of this year’s Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Ambassadors, to go there and win. But they are a coming force and you could easily see the winner of this game going on to win Munster – and for that very reason the heart break for whoever loses will be all the greater.

I remember my first year at U-21 level with Galway. I was only 17 years of age and was selected on the bench for the game against Kilkenny. Admittedly we didn’t have the threat of knock out in June or even July, we had a long wait until August for our first taste but that All-Ireland Semi-Final date would loom large on the horizon and as it drew nearer the nerves just got bigger and bigger.

So I can appreciate exactly the nerves that the Tipp and Déise lads will be feeling as they head to Thurles this evening. U-21 is slightly more open than its senior counterpart but that makes it all the better as a player to play in and in some ways, as a spectator to watch.

You can really express yourself – but only if your man lets you! And not many will do that!

Best of luck to the lads tonight and indeed to all the players and managers and fans over the course of the Championship.

Talk to ye all soon

Joe

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Munster Hurling Quarter Final Preview – Tipperary v Waterford

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Quarter Final
Tipperary v Waterford
Wednesday 1st June, Semple Stadium, 7.30pm

Noel Connors and Noel McGrath

The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Championship is surely set to be the most hotly contested in the history of the competition and this match between Tipperary and Waterford epitomises that feeling. Experts across the country are tentative, loathe to put their necks on the line and there are parties calling this one for both Tipperary and Waterford.

Last time out, back in the 2009 Munster semi final, Waterford beat Tipp with 10 points to spare in Dungarvan. The fact that the match is being played in Thurles may prove the difference this time, although Waterford will be keenly conscious that some of Tipperary’s key players, including captain Noel McGrath, were involved in a tough match against Cork in the Senior Championship just two days ago.

All-Ireland Champions Tipperary have four players straddling U-21 and senior level this year, including Noel McGrath in midfield and Brian O’Meara, Paddy Murphy and John O’Neill amongst the forwards. The team to take the field tomorrow night includes seven of the team which started last year’s All-Ireland final against Galway.

Waterford can boast seven senior players on their U-21 team including full back Noel Connors, goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe and captain Philip Mahony. A big loss is full forward Maurice Shanahan, who scored 13 points against Tipperary the last time these sides met at this level. He is out with an injured arm.

This is knock-out and Tipperary will be hard pressed to loosen their grip on the Cross of Cashel trophy this early in the year.

Tipperary: 1. P. Ryan, 2. C. Hough, 3. K. O’Gorman, 4. S. Maher, 5. B. Stapleton, 6. J. Barry, 7. P. Heffernan, 8. N. McGrath, 9. J. Gallagher, 10. S. Curran, 11. P. Murphy, 12. B. O’Meara, 13. J. O’Dwyer, 14. A. Ryan, 15. J. O’Neill

Waterford: 1. S. O’Keeffe, 2. J. Barron, 3. N. Connors, 4. P. Prendergast, 5. Philip Mahony, 6. D. Fives, 7. S. Daniels, 8. S. Roche, 9. M. O Neill, 10. E. Murphy, 11. A. Brophy, 12. Padraic Mahony, 13. B. O Sullivan, 14. E. Madigan, 15. J. Dillon

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Ten Questions with Our U-21 Hurling Ambassador, Tipperary star Noel McGrath

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

1. Favourite Position:

Between the senior team and the Under 21s I would have played in both midfield and in the half forwards, so anywhere there is good with me.

2. Earliest Sporting Memory:

The 1996 All-Ireland Hurling Final between Wexford and Limerick I think.

3. Earliest Hurling Memory:

Again, it’s probably the 1996 All-Ireland Hurling Final. Vivid memories of Tom Dempsey, Larry O’Gorman and Martin Storey and of course Liam Griffin driving Wexford on. A huge win for Wexford.

4. Biggest Influence on career and why:

It would have to be my parents because they have always been there supporting me.

5. Highlight of Career to Date and why:

Without doubt the All-Ireland Final last year. To have gone so close the year before, to suffer the heart break and to come back and win one the following year was extra special.

6. What was your break through moment:

I suppose my first senior championship game in 2009 was a big moment for me.

7. What’s the best thing about being an inter-county hurler?

There are many things but I think you can never take playing in front of big crowd for granted.

8. Pre-match song of choice on the iPod?

Sorry but I don’t use music before a match!

9. Who should we look out for in this year’s Bord Gáis Energy U-21 hurling championship?

Our very own John O’Neil with Tipp – very good hurler.

10. Ambitions for 2011 and beyond?

So much is out of your control, so all you can hope for with the club or the county is to be as successful as possible.

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Premier stars round off perfect week

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Tipperary 5-22 Galway 0-12
By Fintan O’Toole

Monday, September 13, 2010

THE future for hurling has assumed a blue and gold hue.

Six days after their seniors sacked the kings of the game in style in Croke Park, Tipperary illustrated in Semple Stadium on Saturday night the strength of their underage production lines.

In a lopsided Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC decider, Tipperary blew Galway away in devastating fashion.

Any suggestions that the euphoria generated from the senior triumph would distract the U21 camp were quickly dispelled. Within 30 seconds Brian O’Meara had made a trademark aerial fetch before clinically finishing to the net. In the third minute a sweeping and intricate team move was rounded off by John O’Dwyer raising the second green flag and when Sean Carey lashed a low shot to the bottom corner in the 15th minute, the contest was over.

They were now 3-4 to 0-2 ahead but Galway rallied before the interval to shave the deficit to 3-7 to 0-9 but Tipperary were ruthless in the second-half and always capable of cranking up the gears.

“You get itchy when you see the two goals going in at the start because you ask ‘where do we go from here?’,” admitted Tipperary boss Ken Hogan. “But thankfully the lads kept the consistency levels up. We came in at half time disappointed because we conceded the last three points before the break. We reiterated to the lads that it was back to basics – we had to work and work hard. The players deserve huge plaudits because they drove themselves on from the word go and they finished the job.

“Our motto was ‘Team Before Me’ all along. Those guys were driven and it was a pleasure to work with them and Tommy Dunne, a tremendous coach, TJ Connolly and Willie Maher. It gave me a new life and a new sense of identity to work with these guys.”

Tipperary’s sheer array of scoring options was dazzling. By the final whistle eleven players had helped keep the scoreboard ticking over and Tipperary’s 5-22 total ensured their entire U21 scoring return from four championship games was a phenomenal 10-93. Their senior stars made key contributions with Padraic Maher and Brendan Maher anchoring a resilient defence, Michael Cahill stifling the threat of Richie Cummins in the left corner, and both Noel McGrath and Padraic Maher growing into proceedings as the game progressed.

But the most striking aspect of Tipperary’s performance was the shining displays of the less-renowned figures in their line-up. James Barry looks a great prospect at wing-back, Sean Carey’s terrific industry at half-forward yielded a 1-3 return while John O’Dwyer maintained his sublime form at corner-forward. The man-of-the-match bauble on the night went to Brian O’Meara at full-forward and the award carried plenty merit. He has not been a presence for the Tipperary seniors since their dejecting experience in Páirc Ui Chaoimh last May but at U21 level O’Meara has excelled all season. He was immense under the high ball and gave Galway full-back Paul Gordon a torrid time.

Galway were peripheral on a night of Tipperary hurling exuberance. The contentious venue selection certainly did them no favours and the lack of supporters meant Galway competed in an intimidating atmosphere. But manager Anthony Cunningham had no qualms in admitting afterwards that they collided with an exceptional team. Even if the game had been played in familiar environs like Pearse Stadium or Kenny Park, it’s hard to envisage Galway reversing the result. Tipp played at a faster pace, brought a greater physicality to bear on the close exchanges and their skilful touches in attack generated a torrent of scores.

Despite the catastrophic opening to the game, Galway did battle vigorously throughout the first-half and saw plenty of possession.

Midfield was a profitable sector for them through the efforts of the excellent Johnny Coen and Barry Daly, and they cut open the Tipperary defence to create chances. Their shooting betrayed their approach work however as they knocked nine balls wide of the posts in the opening-half. Registering a goal would have been a serious boost as well but they found Tipperary netminder James Logue in a miserly mood. He denied Joseph Cooney, Gerard Kelly and Bernard Burke from close range, and when he was beaten in the 43rd minute Kelly’s shot slapped against the crossbar. The match transpired to be a miserable experience for Galway and despite the spirited endeavour of Bernard Burke, they collapsed in the final quarter as Tipperary outscored them 1-10 to 0-2. Galway’s misery was compounded when centre forward Niall Quinn was sent off in the 52nd minute.


Scorers for Tipperary: J O’Dwyer (1f), B O’Meara (1f), S Carey, N McGrath (one goal free) 1-3 each; Patrick Maher 1-0; S Hennessy 0-3 (1‘65, 1f); M Heffernan, P Murphy 0-2 each; J O’Neill, K Morris (1f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: J Coen, D Burke (2fs), 0-2 each; B Daly, J Regan, N Quinn, G Burke, G Kelly, J Cooney, J Grealish, B Burke, 0-1 each.

Subs for Tipperary: C Coughlan for O’Gorman (44), J O’Neill for O’Dwyer (52), A Ryan for Murphy (52), J Gallagher for McGrath (55), K Morris for Heffernan (56).

Subs for Galway: J Cooney for Forde (23), B Burke for G Burke (26), J Grealish for Linnan (41), D Glennon for Cummins (44), B Flaherty for Gordon (55).

Referee: James McGrath (Westmeath).

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It’s all systems go for Premier

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Tipperary 2-32
Antrim 1-07
By Fintan O’Toole

ANY concerns Liam Sheedy held about the well-being of his young Tipperary senior stars were eased in the early exchanges of Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U-21HC semi-final in Tullamore.

The tone for this game was set from the throw-in as the Munster champions dominated the tie and by the 11th minute had sailed 0-6 to 0-0 clear. At that stage it was already evident that this was going to be a carefree stroll rather than a bruising tussle for Tipperary and they would definitely be contesting the All-Ireland U-21 decider next month.

Of greater concern to Sheedy and the Tipperary hurling populace, with their Croke Park date on September 5th in mind, was that their senior contingent all avoided visits to the infirmary. Such was the tepid nature of the action here, the prospect of Noel McGrath, Michael Cahill or the Maher trio suffering injury was remote. Having a healthy dressing-room pleased U-21 boss Ken Hogan, yet crushing their opponents by 28 points left him with some concerns.

“The most important thing was that we came through unscathed. The lads have had a hectic schedule but when we’re together as a team, we want proper games. That game wasn’t competitive to give us satisfaction and that’s when bad habits can be picked up. But the most pleasing thing was the attitude of the lads. We didn’t have to get the players up for the game and all the senior players wanted to be involved. That’s a great credit to them.”

Some statistics illustrates how severely lopsided this match was. By the 20th minute Tipperary had raced 1-9 to 0-0 clear with their two midfielders and their six forwards on the scoresheet. Antrim did not register their first point until the 25th minute through Thomas McCann yet Tipp responded with seven white flags to lead 1-18 to 0-1 at the break.

By the 33rd minute they had reached the 20 point mark courtesy of John O’Dwyer and in the 56th minute the Killenaule man fired over their 30th point of the afternoon. At the finish, 13 Tipperary players had pitched in to register their staggering tally of 2-32. Noel McGrath and Patrick Maher were taken out of harm’s way at half-time, Brendan Maher was withdrawn early in the second-half, while it hardly mattered that Thurles Sarsfields defenders Pádraic Maher and Michael Cahill stayed on for the full hour, such was the dearth of work for them.

The match was a hugely chastening experience for the Antrim contingent that had travelled down from the Glens. They struggled from the start to cope with Tipperary’s physique in the tackle, their sharper stickwork and their fleet-footed forwards. The outcome raises questions over their right to participate at this level, yet it must be factored in that this Tipperary U21 side are an exceptional bunch.

The class of Noel McGrath and Brendan Maher has been well-documented, but it was the sublime play of those who operate away from the limelight that was most striking. O’Dwyer got the man-of-the-match bauble for a 2-3 haul but he was pushed hard for that award by the outstanding Michael Heffernan who shot six points.

Cormac Donnelly, Thomas McCann and Michael Armstrong kept fighting for Antrim but their manager and Tipperary native Dinny Cahill knew from the outset that this was going to be a humiliating afternoon.

“We knew before we started, we were up against one of the best teams in this competition. They’re a serious team and that’s the bottom line. We could do nothing about it from the very start. We wouldn’t have the players they have, we’d even a minor playing centre-back today. There was no contest.”

The challenge facing Tipperary in the final will be unquestionably greater. Galway’s prospects will have enhanced by the fact that their semi-final was a more serious affair and Tipperary must also focus their senior players minds for an U-21 decider just six days after they’ve featured in a senior one.

“We know we have to improve, particularly as Galway will have had a really competitive game in their semi-final”, remarked Hogan. “It’ll be a big boost to them to have won that match against Dublin. Of course it’s a concern that some players must face two All-Ireland finals in six days. But these guys are tuned in and they’ll be well prepared.”

Scorers for Tipperary: J O’Dwyer 2-3; M Heffernan, N McGrath (two ‘65, two frees) 0-6 each; S Carey 0-4; B O’Meara, K Morris (one free) 0-3 each; S Hennessy (one free), Padraic Maher, Patrick Maher, B Maher, P Murphy, J O’Neill, A Ryan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Antrim: M Armstrong 1-2; T McCann 0-2; J Campbell, C Carson, D Hamill 0-1 each.

Subs for Tipperary: A Ryan for McGrath (ht), K Morris for Patrick Maher (half-time), C Hough for B Maher (38), J O’Neill for Hennessy (41), C Coughlan for O’Gorman (48).

Subs for Antrim: M Burke for McAuley (38), C Brogan for Devlin (48), G Laverty for Rocks (48), N Cunningham for C Donnelly (50), M Lynch for O’Connell (58).

Referee: Tony Carroll (Offaly).

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All Ireland Semi Final Preview – Tipperary v Antrim

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Semi Final
Tipperary v Antrim

Tullamore, 4pm
Tipperary and Antrim face off in the first of this year’s Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland semi finals in Tullamore.

Tipperary overcame title holders Clare in front of an 11,500-strong crowd at Semple stadium to become Munster champions for the fifth time in a decade. Fine performances from Paddy Murphy and Michael Heffernan proved too much for the Banner County’s defence.   

In Ulster, Antrim beat off a resilient Armagh team in Casement Park. Impressive performances from Cormac Donnelly, Darren Hamill and PJ O’Connell saw the Saffrons retain the Ulster trophy and book their place in the All-Ireland series.

The momentum will be with Tipperary for this clash as confidence will be high after that impressive win against Claire in the Munster final and of course progression to the senior All-Ireland Final too.  Five of the senior team who defeated Waterford on Sunday last have been named in the U-21 team for Saturday including Bord Gáis Energy Ambassadors Noel McGrath and Padraic Maher, Brendan Maher, Patrick Maher and corner-back Michael Cahill.

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Dublin and Antrim Still in Line for First Ever U-21 Hurling Title

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Dublin and Antrim Still in Line for First Ever U-21 Hurling Title
17th August 2010

On Saturday, Dublin and Antrim will be battling for the chance to compete for a first ever All-Ireland title at U-21 level as they take on Galway and Tipperary respectively in the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland semi finals.  The matches will take place as a double header in Tullamore.

Oisin Gough of Dublin, Antrim captain Cormac Donnelly, Galway’s David Burke and Noel McGrath of Tipperary met in the capital today ahead of the back to back clashes.  While Gough, McGrath and Donnelly are facing into the semi finals off the back of provincial victories, Burke and his Galway team mates are coming into the fray fresh as in previous years.

Entering the Championship at All-Ireland semi final stage has not impeded Galway in the past and they have played in five All-Ireland finals since 2000, winning two of them.  Tipperary, who defeated All-Ireland champions Clare in the Munster Final at Thurles, have played past the semi final stage three times since 2000 but have not been declared champions themselves since 1995. 

Pretenders Dublin and Antrim, by contrast, have never won and All-Ireland title, with Antrim having never made it to the final and Dublin having featured three times in the competition’s history.  The last time they made it to an All-Ireland final was in 2007, when Dublin suffered defeat to this weekend’s opponent Galway. But having dispatched of Kilkenny and Wexford in fine victories earlier this summer, Dublin’s confidence will be high.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana said, “We have been treated to a fantastic Bord Gáis Energy Hurling U21 All-Ireland championship to date with excellent games on the provincial circuit and now our focus turns to the national stage where those teams who are lucky enough to be involved will look to kick on and make the most of the opportunity that presents itself.

“The fine surroundings of O’Connor Park, Tullamore will host two games that carry with them their own novel intrigue and it will be interesting to see what final pairing emerges from what should be an excellent afternoon of top class hurling.”

Ger Cunningham, Sports Sponsorship Manager at Bord Gáis Energy said, “The 2009 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Championship was one to remember following Clare’s superb victories in Munster and then in the All-Ireland final.  With Antrim and Dublin both fielding strong and worthy teams this year, we are again looking at the prospect of a new winner in this competition, which is great for the game of hurling.

“It is genuinely exciting to be involved with hurling at this level and Bord Gáis Energy is dedicated to supporting the Championship in any way we can.  I very much hope that fans travel to Tullamore to support their counties and as usual we will be on the ground with the crossbar challenge and other promotional activity to ensure that they are guaranteed an enjoyable day out.”

The first match at O’Connor Park in Tullamore, Tipperary v Antrim, will throw in at 4.00pm and Dublin v Galway will follow at 6.00pm.  Both matches are scheduled to be broadcast live on TG4.

ENDS

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2010 Fixtures

Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
9th June:         Kilkenny (2-31) v Offaly (0-8)
                            Laois (0-9) v Carlow (1-14)
23rd June:      Kilkenny (0-12) v Dublin (0-17)
                            Wexford (2-17) v Carlow (2-13)
14th July:       Leinster Final: Dublin (2-15) v Wexford (0-15)

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
2nd June:          Cork (1-16) v Waterford (1-3)
14th July:         Limerick (1-12) v Clare (1-15)
                             Tipperary (2-17) v Cork (0-21)
28th July:         Munster Final: Tipperary (1-22) v Clare (1-17)

Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
14th July:         Armagh (2-19) v Fermanagh (2-8)
21st July:          Antrim (0-19) v Down (1-12)
                             Derry (0-10) v Armagh (2-12)
28th July:         Ulster Final: Antrim (0-21) v Armagh (0-16)

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship
21st August:     All-Ireland Semi Finals:
                              Dublin v Galway
                              Tipperary v Antrim
11th September:          All-Ireland Final

For More Information:
Claire Turvey/Marcus Ó Buachalla, Pembroke Communications: 01-6496486
Stiofáin MacDháibhéad, Bord Gáis Energy: 01- 6021116 / 087-7991206
Alan Milton, Communications Manager, GAA: 01-8658614 / 087-9299488

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