Tipp primed for key Cork clash
After successfully progressing through phase 1 of the Munster Under 20 Football Championship, Tipperary enter phase 2 this evening (Wednesday) when they take on Cork.
GAA: Eirgrid Munster Under 20 Football Championship Phase 2 Preview
By Shane Brophy
TIPPERARY v CORK
Fethard Town Park
Wednesday 10th April
Throw-in @ 7.00pm
Referee: Eoin Morrissey (Waterford)
Niall Fitzgerald’s charges won two one of their three games to top the section along with Limerick, Waterford and Clare, the latter joining them in the second phase along with big hitters Cork and Kerry.
The sides will play another round-robin with Tipp hosting Clare in round 2 before travelling to Tralee to play Kerry in their final game.
However, tonight’s game with Cork could go a long way to determining whether Tipperary can reach the Munster final for the second time in three years.
At minor level over the last two years when Tipperary progressed from phase 1, they found Cork a level above, particularly in terms of the pace and intensity in the early stages so a strong start will be vital to have any chance of upsetting the odds.
With the pitch at FBD Semple Stadium having sustained some damage with two games in 48 hours last week, this under 20 football game has been moved to Fethard Town Park which the players will be familiar with having hosted Tipp’s opening round draw with Limerick three weeks ago.
The Tipperary team to face Cork is unchanged from the starting fifteen that defeated Waterford in their most recent game, skippered by Ballina’s Charlie King from wing-back.
Tipperary team v Cork: Robbie McGrath (Galtee Rovers); Jack O’Neill (Ardfinnan), Eoin O’Connell (Loughmore/Castleiney), Mark Corcoran (Clonmel Commercials); Charlie King (Ballina, Capt), Sean O’Meara (Grangemockler/Ballyneale), Darragh O’Brien (Aherlow); Joe Higgins (Clonmel Commercials), Eoin Doocey (Arravale Rovers); Thomas Charles (Clonmel Commercials), Joseph Lawrence (Rockwell Rovers), Michael Freaney (Kilsheelan/Kilcash); Orrin Jones (Arravale Rovers), Conal Grogan (Galtee Rovers), Shane Ryan (Ardfinnan).
Subs: Shane Ryan (Clonmel Commercials), Killian Butler (Moyle Rovers), Ben Carey (Ballylooby/Castlegrace), Daithi Hogan (St Patrick’s), Darragh O’Connor (Clonmel Commercials), Tommy O’Connor (Kilsheelan/Kilcash), Paddy O’Keeffe (Moyle Rovers), Cian Smith (Clonmel Commercials), Daragh Spillane (Fethard).