We’ll meet again
By Shane Brophy
The incredible competitiveness of the Tipperary senior hurling championship in this current era has been underlined by the final going to a replay for a second year in a row.
Indeed, if it were not for Covid-19 in 2020 when all games were result on the day, Kiladangan v Loughmore/Castleiney would have gone to a replay, with also last year Loughmore/Castleiney seeing off Thurles Sarsfields after two titanic clashes.
So, for the third year in a row, the regulation sixty minutes wasn’t enough to determine a champion after Kiladangan and Kilruane MacDonaghs couldn’t be separated, with Willie Cleary’s nerveless free four minutes into added time rescuing a draw for Kilruane who led the game for long stages before Kiladangan hit the front for the first time on 52 minutes.
Tipperary County Board have confirmed that the replay will take place next Sunday at FBD Semple Stadium with a 3.00pm throw-in, and there will be extra time and a result on the day, as a winner is required to face Waterford champions Ballygunnar in the Munster club quarter final the following Sunday.
There were elements of relief and disappointment in both camps following last Sundays inconclusive 1-21 to 2-18 draw, with both sets of supporters having to go through the emotional ringer again to determine who the best hurling team in the county will be.
As the underdog, Kilruane will have to defy the greater odds of winning a replay, but manager Liam O’Kelly was already focusing on the positives of getting a second chance.
“Some of our players are devastated, and you can appreciate that, but I said to the lads, we came from behind and drew the match, so we are happy to be where we are,” he said.
His Kiladangan counterpart Sean O’Meara, whose side had the winning of the game snatched away in the dying moments, wasn’t surprised a replay is needed after another close contest between the sides.
“We drew with each other in the North Championship, today is another draw so it just shows where we’re both at and we both have room for improvement to get ready for a replay next weekend,” he said.
“At one stage we looked as if we were in control, with a few minutes to go we were up two or three points. They brought it back and then they went ahead. In the end you’d be delighted just to get away with a draw and live to fight another day.”
Curtain-raisers
In last Sunday’s curtain-raiser, Roscrea claimed the inaugural premier intermediate hurling title with a 1-17 to 0-16 win over Gortnahoe/Glengoole, and their season will continue on Sunday week when they represent Tipperary in the Munster intermediate championship and a quarter final against Waterford representatives Ballysaggart, at a Tipperary venue, possibly MacDonagh Park, Nenagh.
Next Sunday, North Tipp will descend on mass to Thurles as the senior hurling final replay prelude will be the intermediate championship final between Lorrha and Moneygall, throwing in at 1.00pm. Both sides came through last Saturday’s semi-finals, Lorrha comfortably seeing off Drom & Inch, while Moneygall had to battle past Skeheenarinky. Regardless of who wins, it guarantees that the three main adult hurling titles will be coming to the North division this year.