All-Ireland SHC S-Final – Tipperary v Limerick

Tipperary defeated Limerick by 6-19 to 2-7 in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final on Sunday at Croke Park.

Match Reports

Tipp trounce Limerick to reach final

From the GAA.ie web site

Sunday, August 16

Tipperary hammered home six goals as they destroyed a completely outclassed Limerick side to set up an All Ireland final date to savour with Kilkenny on the first Sunday in September. The Premier men have proven to be the goal kings in the 2009 Championship, and their attack snaffled three goals in the first 17 minutes before Lar Corbett hit a second-half hat-trick to seal the most comprehensive of victories. In one of the most one-sided semi-finals ever seen at Headquarters, Limerick failed to come to terms with a youthful Tipperary attack, while their defence, which was led by brilliantly youngsters Padraic Maher and Paddy Stapleton, gave the Treaty men few opportunities and even less space. Limerick were guilty of making basic errors throughout and the quality of their striking and first touch was second rate compared to their opponents, who look like they could give four-in-a-row seekers Kilkenny a thorough test in the final.

Tipperary answered many of the questions that had been asked of them in the build-up to the game – especially the continuing accusation that they have a tendency to lose concentration when they are in control of a game. While they did allow Limerick a brief period of dominance ten minutes into the second half, they hit back ferociously in the final 15 to score three well-taken goals. Tipperary led by 3-8 to 0-4 at the break after goals by Eoin Kelly, Noel McGrath and Pat Kerwick, but they allowed Limerick back to within 12 points after 54 minutes. Brian Murray had sparked a brief Limerick revival with a goal from the penalty spot before substitute Brian O’Sullivan added a second from a long-range effort. Tipperary hit back with an incredible ferocity and Corbett’s three goals in the final 13 minutes gave them a 24-point win.

Tipperary’s first goal came inside five minutes, and it came from another sloppy mistake in the Limerick defence. Stephen Lucey beat his man, Eoin Kelly, to John O’Brien’s low ball, but he misjudged its flight and gifted the Tipperary full-forward possession. Kelly had a clear run on goal and he drove the ball to the back of the net for a soft goal. The portents did not look good for Justin McCarthy’s side as they were guilty of making basic errors all over the field and Tipperary were in the mood to punish any slovenly play. Limerick didn’t get off the mark until the tenth minute, when David Breen slotted over a lovely score from the right wing. Pat Kerwick put the Premier men 1-2 to 1-1 ahead when he struck for his first score of the game.

Tipperary delivered the fatal blow after just 15 minutes. Corbett won a great ball in the corner and rounded his marker with a trademark run, before he flicked the ball across the goal to the awaiting Noel McGrath, who batted to the back of the net to give Tipperary a six-point – 2-2 to 0-2 – lead. Limerick’s hopes of making a game of it were all but extinguished two minutes later when Kerwick picked Mark Foley’s pocket and stole in on goal before he unleashed a low shot which goalkeeper Brian Murray allowed to slide under his body. Tipperary led by a massive nine points and, remarkably, they had more goals than points after 17 minutes.

And they didn’t let up there – as they have been accused of in previous games – as they struck the next four points without reply. Conor O’Mahony and Eoin Kelly hit two frees apiece in that period as Limerick were continually punished for giving away silly frees as their defence struggled to cope with a rampant Tipperary attack. Gavin O’Mahony pulled one back from a free after 28 minutes, but it was to be frustrating afternoon for the Limerick midfielder, who struggled to rediscover the form the accuracy he showed from placed balls in the semi-final win over Dublin. It was more of the same after the break as Tipperary hit five points on the trot to lead by 3-13 to 0-4. Limerick had a brief period in the ascendancy as Murray and O’Sullivan snatched goals inside six minutes.

However, Tipperary crushed Limerick’s resistance as easily as an elephant might a bug as their attack once again went on the rampage in the closing stages. Corbett’s first goal was a real beauty as Noel McGrath, who finished with 1-3 to his name, set up the Thurles man for a simple finish. He added another three minutes later before he put the icing on the cake with his third after clever work from Seamus Callanan and substitute Michael Webster.

Limerick: B Murray (1-0, 1-0 pen); D Reale, S Lucey, M O’Riordan; S Hickey (0-1), B Geary, M Foley; D O’Grady, G O’Mahony (0-2, 0-1f); J Ryan, N Moran, P Browne; D Breen (0-1), P McNamara, A O’Shaughnessy (0-2, 0-2f).
Subs: J O’Brien for N Moran ‘32, B O’Sullivan (1-1) for P Browne (HT), O Moran for J Ryan (HT), M O’Brien for P McNamara ’58.

Tipperary: B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Maher, P Curran; D Fanning, C O’Mahony (0-3, 0-3f), B Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick (1-3), S Callanan (0-3), J O’Brien (0-1); N McGrath (1-3), E Kelly (1-5, 0-5f) , L Corbett (3-1).
Subs: B Dunne for S McGrath ’55, G Ryan for J Woodlock ’62, M Webster for P Kerwick ’62, P Kelly for E Kelly ’66, W Ryan for L Corbett ’66.

Referee: B Gavin (Offaly)

Attendance: 43,808
Corbett adds insult to Limerick humiliation

Tipperary 6-19 Limerick 2-7

From the Irish Independent newspaper

Monday August 17 2009

LIMERICK goalkeeper Brian Murray scored as much as all of the Treaty men’s starting forwards combined, which encapsulates the extent of the misery heaped on the green and white at Croke Park yesterday. Limerick would have to trawl a long way back into history to locate such an embarrassing occasion, which left them looking for an escape chute from quite early on after it became apparent that Tipperary were vastly superior to them in every facet of the game. It was the ultimate humiliation for Limerick as they lurched from crisis to disaster to destruction as Tipperary imposed their wide range of skills with devastating effect. They posted 25 scores — including six goals — as they recorded the biggest All-Ireland semi-final win since Cork flattened Antrim in 1984.

Limerick went into yesterday’s game as outsiders to dislodge the Munster champions, but nobody could possibly have envisaged the extent of the gulf which would open up between the sides. Granted, Limerick had reached the last four off the easier route — beating Wexford, Laois and Dublin — and while it was felt they wouldn’t be able to cope with the step up in class, it was assumed that their battling qualities would worry Tipperary most of the way. The reality turned out to be a whole lot different, much to the disappointment of the 43,808 crowd. The first decisive break came in the fifth minute when John O’Brien’s chopped delivery towards goal skidded past Limerick full-back Stephen Lucey and into the path of Eoin Kelly. Presenting Kelly with a one-on-one isn’t recommended at any time, and certainly not on a balmy August Sunday at Croke Park. The umpire was reaching for the green flag even before Kelly picked his spot well to Murray’s right. Tipperary weren’t just up and running, they were already well on their way to booking a first All-Ireland final clash with Kilkenny since 1991.

The missiles just kept on bombing down on Limerick, who were hit with further goals from Noel McGrath (16 mins) and Pat Kerwick a minute later to leave Tipperary nine points clear with three-quarters of the game still to play. Limerick’s fate was already sealed, but they still had another 53 minutes of torture ahead on a day when they had to face up to the unmistakable reality that those qualifier wins left them hopelessly ill-prepared for the latest challenge. Tipp’s touch and timing was so superior to Limerick’s that it looked like seniors against juniors. Limerick’s half-forwards were wiped out by Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony and Brendan Maher, while the deliveries from further out were poorly directed. That enabled the Tipperary full-back line to impose themselves almost effortlessly, while goalkeeper Brendan Cummins was able to pick out unchallenged colleagues with his puck-outs.

To add to Limerick’s mounting problems, they wasted several precious scoring chances from open play and placed balls. Gavin O’Mahony, who had been so accurate against Dublin in the quarter-final, had a poor day with his shooting, blasting no fewer than seven wides from long-range efforts. Niall Moran might have thought he had played himself into the game when he pointed in the 32nd minute, but as he ran out to resume his position, his name was called out as the first player to be replaced. In fairness to Moran, any one of his five forward colleagues could have been taken off at that stage.

Secured

Justin McCarthy removed two more of them — James Ryan and Paul Browne — at half-time and summoned full-forward Paudie McNamara ashore in the 57th minute. It made no difference whatsoever, as the Tipperary defence had everything so tightly secured that Limerick probably wouldn’t have made any more progress if they had three extra men on duty. Tipperary led by 3-8 to 0-4 at half-time and Limerick didn’t score in the second half until the 47th minute, when goalkeeper Murray sent a penalty whizzing to the net. Substitute Brian O’Sullivan scored Limerick’s second goal in the 54th minute but all it succeeded in doing was provoke Tipperary into a furious surge. Lar Corbett scored three goals in 10 minutes and, as Tipperary kept the points ticking along nicely too, they took their tally to 6-19, of which 6-10 came from open play.

Corbett (3-1), Kerwick (1-3) and Noel McGrath (1-2) all prospered amid the debris of a Limerick defence which were left mesmerised by the pace and movement of their torturers. Mark Foley battled all the way to the finish but it was very much a lost cause against vastly superior powers. So, were Limerick all that bad or was this an awesome display by Tipperary which will send tremors of apprehension wafting across the border into Kilkenny as they prepare for the final on September 6? There’s no doubt that Tipperary have an awful lot to recommend them, especially in an attack which combines the experience and cunning of Kelly, Corbett and O’Brien with the enterprise and energy of Noel McGrath, Seamus Callanan and Kerwick. Kerwick had probably the best game of his career so far, while McGrath continues to improve with every outing. He has a lovely economical style and his ability to make room in tight situations is a major plus, which will stand to him in what looks certain to be a long career in the blue and gold.

However, it must be said that, apart from the first few minutes, the Limerick defence offered no real resistance. It was surprising to see so many experienced players beaten quite comprehensively, but then they were up against by far the best forward line they have encountered all year. Limerick’s arrival at the semi-final stage suggested they were in the top four in the country but, in reality, they weren’t. The vagaries of the draw despatched Cork, Galway and Waterford on one side while Limerick enjoyed a much easier passage on the other route. It earned them a semi-final shot, but they were clearly out of their depth against a Tipperary team which, Kilkenny apart, has been the most consistent in the country for the past two seasons.

Tipperary couldn’t find any downsides in yesterday’s performance, except perhaps that they would probably have been much better off if they had a more competitive outing. An easy win in a semi-final isn’t always the best preparation for the final, especially when the opposition happens to be the team of the decade. Still, there wasn’t anything Tipp could do about that, as once they went about their business in a highly efficient manner, they must have been surprised to discover just how anaemic the Limerick challenge was. Remarkably, there were no frees in the game until the 12th minute, when Limerick were awarded one while Tipperary had to wait until the 20th minute for their first free. By then, they were well on their way to a first All-Ireland final since 2001, while Limerick were left wondering how they could be so far off the pace. This really was a shocking day in Limerick hurling history, one which leaves them facing a critical self-analysis. The record books will show that they reached the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final, but they certainly aren’t in the top four by a long stretch. And now they have the added problem of how to cope with the psychological damage suffered in yesterday’s humiliation.

Scorers — Tipperary: L Corbett 3-1, E Kelly 1-6 (6f), P Kerwick 1-3, N McGrath 1-2, S Callanan, C O’Mahony (2f 1 ’65) 0-3 each, J O’Brien 0-1. Limerick: B O’Sullivan 1-1, B Murray 1-0 (pen), G O’Mahony 0-2 (1f), D Breen, N Moran, A O’Shaughnessy (1f), S Hickey 0-1 each.

Tipperary — B Cummins 7; P Stapleton 8, P Maher 8, P Curran 8; D Fanning 8, C O’Mahony 9, B Maher 8; J Woodlock 7, S McGrath 7; P Kerwick 9, S Callanan 7, J O’Brien 7; N McGrath 9, E Kelly 7, L Corbett 8. Subs: B Dunne 7 for S McGrath (54), G Ryan 6 for Woodlock (62), M Webster 6 for Kerwick (63), P Kelly 6 for E Kelly (65), W Ryan 6 for Corbett (67).

Limerick — B Murray 6; D Reale 5, S Lucey 4, M O’Riordan 4; S Hickey 5, B Geary 5, M Foley 6; D O’Grady 5, G O’Mahony 5; P Browne 4, J Ryan 4, N Moran 4; D Breen 4, P McNamara 4, A O’Shaughnessy 4. Subs: J O’Brien 4 for Moran (32), B O’Sullivan 7 for Browne (ht), O Moran 4 for Ryan (ht), M O’Brien 5 for McNamara (57), S Walsh 5 for Lucey (62).

Ref — B Gavin (Offaly).

Limerick’s tame effort does Tipp no favours

Tipperary 6-19 Limerick 2-07

By Diarmuid O’Flynn for the Irish Examiner newspaper

Monday, August 17, 2009

THREE months ago to the day, May 16th, their league campaign over, Munster championship opener against Waterford still several weeks away, Limerick played Cork in a senior hurling challenge match. It was in Castletownroche, the storied north Cork club opening a new stand in time-honoured GAA fashion with what looked on paper to be an attractive pairing. On the night, however, a young and experimental Cork team gave Limerick an absolute drubbing, 1-32 to 2-15. In a manner that is absolutely atypical of the county at any stage and at any level, Limerick weren’t just without heart and passion on the night, they were without soul. At the time it was dismissed by the Limerick faithful as an aberration, one of those days – sure what was it, only a challenge match.

Well, yesterday was no challenge match – this was an All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final, the whole GAA world watching. And yet, there it was again. Yesterday in Croke Park, tens of thousands of their own supporters having travelled yet again with high hopes that even if they couldn’t overcome the odds, their team would at least put in a worthy challenge, give Tipperary a run for their money, again Limerick were a team without passion, again a team without soul – lifeless, bloodless. Consider this – not until the 20th minute did Limerick concede a free, not ‘til the 24th minute was there a yellow card. Now in any other circumstance you would point to their discipline here, their control, perhaps even their sportsmanship; at that stage, however, they already trailed 3-2 to 0-2. Where was the hurt? Where was the passion, the fire, the urge – primal, admittedly – to lash out, to get stuck in? This is not to suggest that Limerick should have been out to do physical damage to any Tipperary player, but hurling isn’t a non-contact sport either; yet, for all 70-plus minutes, Limerick played as though it were, Tipp doing most of the heavy hitting. In that context, then, they did hurling no favours yesterday, they did themselves no favours, and – paradoxically – they did Tipperary no favours. True, the Premier county is in an All-Ireland final, which is where they set out to be from the beginning of this season, but they learned nothing about themselves in this game, merely raised expectation levels again inside the county. Terrible, terrible fare.

In all their previous big games this year, starting with the league final against Kilkenny, Tipperary have hit the ground running, built up big early leads while hurling with real fluency; what Limerick needed to do, then, to give themselves any chance, was to counter that, hold Tipp early on, ask some questions. For four minutes they managed that, no score, and even then, an error by full-back Stephen Lucey – who had been having a sterling season – that allowed Eoin Kelly in for a gift of a goal didn’t seem to faze them. Quarter of an hour gone it was still only a four-point game, 1-2 to 0-1, that error the difference – then, in rapid succession, came Tipp goals numbers two and three, and again, it was poor defending. After 16 minutes, Lar Corbett used his searing pace to round his marker, but, as he shaped to square the ball across the square, Tipp had not one, but two men standing in the clear, either of whom could have got the final touch. Young Noel McGrath did the honours, got in before Seamus Callanan, but it said much about the slack marking by Limerick. A minute later, two defensive errors (and enough pain, let’s not name any more names) and it was Pat Kerwick in the clear, third Tipperary goal, 3-2 to 0-2, and the rout was on. Six points Tipp added before the break, against two for Limerick, leaving it 3-8 to 0-4 as the teams headed for the dressing-rooms.

Cold comfort for Limerick, surely, inside those walls, but whatever was said, it didn’t work. Tipp’s Achilles heel so far this year in all those big games we mentioned above has been a second half lapse in concentration that allowed the opposition back into contention, and that surely would have been on Limerick minds as they came back out on the field. A couple of changes made, two new half-forwards, meaning that with the earlier introduction of James O’Brien for Niall Moran (immediately after the Ahane-man had scored a point, one of only two Limerick forwards to do so in the first half), Limerick now had an entirely new trio under their own puck-out. Didn’t make a whit of difference. That Tipp frailty was absent yesterday, or perhaps simply wasn’t tested; the second half was a procession of Tipperary scores, their first-half tally more than doubled. Limerick did manage a couple of goals, one apiece from sub Brian O’Sullivan and a penalty by keeper Brian Murray, and the likes of Mark Foley, Seamus Hickey and Brian Geary battled gamely against wave after wave of attack, but this was a massacre. Six points to start with, from Tipp, then goals number four and five, both by Lar Corbett, both from sublime Noel McGrath passes, the second of which, in the 60th minute, made the score 5-15 to 2-5.

An embarrassment for the Limerick supporters, made even worse before the end. Pick of the Tipperary goals was probably the sixth, even if the match was indeed long over as a contest; five players involved, Noel McGrath, Paul Kelly, Seamus Callanan, Michael Webster and finally, shooting to an empty net and completing his hat-trick, Lar Corbett, every pass on the money. The luck of the draw was partially responsible for Limerick’s run to this All-Ireland semi-final, and no-one can quibble with that – having beaten Wexford in Wexford on an atrocious evening, having overcome Leinster finalists Dublin in the quarter-final, Limerick had earned the right to be in Croke Park yesterday. With that right, however, comes responsibility, comes expectation – Limerick froze yesterday, were caught in the headlights of the Tipperary express. It was a terrible spectacle.

As for Tipperary, where does this leave them? In an All-Ireland final, the obvious reply, and they’ll certainly settle for that, for the moment, but oh, what they’d have given for a real test. Paraic Maher did superbly at full-back yesterday, but how will he do against Henry Shefflin? We don’t know. The defence overall was magnificent, conceded just two points from play to the starting Limerick sextet (though Brian O’Sullivan did add 1-1 on his introduction), but how good are they, really? One thing for certain – the Tipperary training matches in Semple Stadium over the next three weeks will have more intensity, more fire, more brimstone, than anything we saw in Croke Park yesterday. You can be damn sure that whoever is on the whistle, he’ll be kept a sight busier than Brian Gavin was yesterday, when this game was still alive.

Scorers for Tipperary: L. Corbett 3-1; E. Kelly 1-6 (0-6 frees); P. Kerwick 1-3; N. McGrath 1-2; S. Callanan 0-3; C. O’Mahony 0-3 (0-2 frees, 0-1 65); J. O’Brien 0-1.

Scorers for Limerick: B. O’Sullivan 1-1; B. Murray 1-0; G. O’Mahony 0-2 (0-1 free); A. O’Shaughnessy (free), D. Breen, N. Moran, S. Hickey, 0-1 each.

Tipperary subs: B. Dunne (S. McGrath 55); G. Ryan (Woodlock 62); M. Webster (Kerwick inj. 63); W. Ryan (Corbett 63); P. Kelly (E. Kelly 64).

Limerick subs: J. O’Brien (N. Moran 32); O. Moran (J. Ryan 35); B. O’Sullivan (Browne 35); M. O’Brien (McNamara 57); S. Walsh (Lucey 62).

Referee: B. Gavin (Offaly)

Team News

The Tipperary Senior Hurling team to play Limerick in Sunday’s All Ireland senior hurling semi-final shows just one change from the team which started against Waterford in the Munster Final. Brendan Maher comes into the side in place of Conor O’Brien. The reshuffled defence will have Padraic Maher at full back, Paul Curran at left corner back and Brendan Maher at left wing back.

1. Brendan Cummins (Ballybacon-Grange)

2. Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh)

3. Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

4. Paul Curran (Mullinahone)

5. Declan Fanning (Killenaule)

6. Conor O’Mahony (Newport) (Captain)

7. Brendan Maher (Borris–Ileigh)

8. James Woodlock (Drom & Inch)

9. Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch)

10. Pat Kerwick (Killenaule)

11. Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch)

12. John O’Brien (Toomevara)

13. Noel McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)

14. Eoin Kelly (Mullinahone)

15. Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields)

Limerick (SH v Tipperary) – Brian Murray (Patrickswell), Damien Reale (Hospital-Herbertstown), Stephen Lucey (Croom), Mark O’Riordan (Croom), Seamus Hickey (Murroe-Boher), Brian Geary (Monaleen), Mark Foley (captain, Adare), Donal O’Grady (Granagh-Ballingarry), Gavin O’Mahoney (Kilmallock), James Ryan (Garryspillane), Ollie Moran (Ahane), Paul Browne (Bruff), David Breen (Na Piarsaigh), Paudie McNamara (Murroe-Boher), Andrew O’Shaughnessy (Kilmallock)

Ticket Details

Prices – Adult Stand €45, Juvenile Stand €5 (only available in the Cusack and Davin Stands)
Student & OAP at the Concession Stile (Purchase Adult ticket first) Cusack and Davin Stands only Block D.
Season Ticket through Stile C1 Cusack Stand
Terrace €30
Wheelchair Passes Available €45 incl Carer
Special Group/Team tickets available also. Juvenile €3 and one adult FOC in Ten (clubs only).

Match Preview

This is the first time that Limerick and Tipperary have clashed in the All-Ireland semifinal but it has certainly been a regular fixture on the Munster championship schedule throughout this decade. They also met once in the All-Ireland qualifiers. Next Sunday’s game will, in fact, be the tenth clash between them since 2000. That includes three replays. It took extra-time to separate them in the first replay in 2005 and two years later it took extra-time in the second replay to separate the teams. Limerick won that game but it was their only success against Tipperary this decade.

Tipperary have won five times while there were three draws.

2007: Limerick 0-22 Tipperary 2-13 (Munster semi-final) (After extra-time)

2007: Limerick 1-24 Tipperary 2-21 (Munster semi-final) (After extra-time)

2007: Limerick 1-19 Tipperary 1-19 (Munster semi-final) Draw

2006: Tipperary 0-22 Limerick 2-12 (Munster quarter-final)

2005: Tipperary 2-13 Limerick 0-18 (Munster quarter-final) (After extra-time).

2005: Tipperary 2-14 Limerick 2-14 (Munster quarter-final) Draw

2004: Tipperary 3-10 Limerick 2-12 (All-Ireland qualifiers)

2002: Tipperary 1-20 Limerick 1-13 (Munster semi-final)

2001: Tipperary 2-16 Limerick 1-17 (Munster final)

Tipperary 5, Limerick 1, Draws 3.

Paths to the semi-final

Tipperary

Tipperary 1-19 Cork 0-19 (Munster quarter-final)

Tipperary 3-18 Clare 1-22 (Munster semi-final)

Tipperary 4-14 Waterford 2-16 (Munster final)

Average For: 3-16; Average Against: 1-19

Tipperary Scorers

Lar Corbett……………….3-6

Seamus Callinan………..3-4

Eoin Kelly…………………1-11 (0-9 frees)

Noel McGrath……………0-13 (0-2 frees, 0-1 line ball)

John O’Brien…………….1-4

Pat Kerwick………………0-4

Benny Dunne…………….0-3

Shane McGrath…………0-3 (0-1 line ball)

James Woodlock……….0-1

Declan Fanning…………0-1

Conor O’Mahony……0-1 (free)

Limerick

Limerick 1-8 Waterford 0-11 (Munster semi-final) Draw

Waterford 0-25 Limerick 0-17 (Munster semi-final) Replay

Limerick 1-13 Wexford 0-14 (All-Ireland qualifiers)

Limerick 0-20 Laois 1-14 (All-Ireland qualifiers)

Limerick 2-18 Dublin 1-17 (All-Ireland quarter-final)

Average For: 1-15; Average Against: 1-15

Limerick scorers:

Andrew O’Shaughnessy…… 1-19 (0-17 frees)

Gavin O’Mahony………………0-12 (0-8 frees, 0-2 line balls)

Niall Moran………………………0-10 (0-4 frees)

James Ryan………………………..0-9

Paudie McNamara……………..1-6

David Breen……………………….1-3

Seamus Hickey……………………0-5

Paul Browne……………………….0-4

James O’Brien…………………….0-3

Brian Murray………………………1-0 (pen)

Donal O’Grady……………………0-2

Donncha Sheehan………………..0-2

Donie Ryan………………………….0-1

Last Championship Clash

Limerick 0-22 Tipperary 2-13 – After extra-time (2007 Munster semi-final replay)

A crowd of 30,608 saw Limerick edge to victory in extra-time in the second replay of a fascinating triple saga. It was all square at the end of normal time but a goal by Willie Ryan in the first period of extra-time appeared to give Tipperary the edge. However, Limerick dominated the second period, out-scoring Tipp by 0-5 to 0-0 to finally decide the outcome after 250 minutes of high-quality action.

Last Competitive Clash

Tipperary 1-17 Limerick 1-11 (NHL, 19 April 2009, Thurles)

Gearoid Ryan scored 1-3 for Tipperary as they raced to a comfortable win. They led by 0-12 to 0-4 at half-time and while Limerick did better in the second half, they were always struggling against sharper opponents.

Tipperary: B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O’Brien; Padraic Maher, D Fanning, S Maher; T Stapleton (0-2), B Dunne; G Ryan (1-3), J Devane (0-1), L Corbett (0-3); P Bourke (0-6, 5 frees), J O’Brien (0-2), Patrick Maher.

Subs: B Maher for S Maher, S Hennessy for Dunne, M Webster for Patrick Maher, T Scroope for J O’Brien, M Cahill for Curran, J Woodlock for Stapleton.

Limerick: B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, S Walsh; M O’Riordan, S Hickey, G O’Mahony; D O’Grady (0-1), P Browne (1-0); M O’Brien, J Ryan (0-1), N Moran (0-9, 4 frees, 2 ‘65s); D Sheehan, D Breen, P McNamara.

Subs: D Moloney for O’Riordan (yellow card), B O’Sullivan for O’Brien, A O’Shaughnessy for McNamara, R McCarthy for Lucey, T Condon for O’Sullivan, D Ryan for Sheehan.

Last Five All-Ireland semi-final appearances

Limerick

2007: Limerick 5-11 Waterford 2-15

1996: Limerick 1-17 Antrim 0-13

1994: Limerick 2-23 Antrim 0-11

1981: Galway 4-16 Limerick 2-17 (Replay)

1981: Galway 1-8 Limerick 0-11 (Draw)

Tipperary

2008: Waterford 1-20 Tipperary 1-18

2003: Kilkenny 3-18 Tipperary 0-15

2002: Kilkenny 1-20 Tipperary 1-16

2001: Tipperary 3-12 Wexford 0-10 (replay)

2001: Tipperary 1-16 Wexford 3-10 (draw)

Press Pack for Tipperary Senior Hurling Panel

2009 All Ireland Hurling Sem-Final

Tipperary V Limerick

In Croke Park on Sunday, August 16th at 3:30pm

Team Announcement

The Tipperary team will be announced by email and local radio at 9pm on Thursday August 13th. It will subsequently be published on the Tipperary GAA website ( www.tipperary.gaa.ie)

Player Profiles

A full list of Tipperary player profiles can be found on the Tipperary GAA web site – click on the following link to view this information – http://tipperary.gaa.ie/seniorhurlingplayerprofiles.html.

Management Profiles

Liam Sheedy (Portroe), Eamon O’Shea (Kilruane MacDonaghs) and Michael Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane) are in their second season in charge of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team.

Liam Sheedy who is team manager, was previously a senior hurling selector in 2003 and was Manager of the Tipperary Minor Hurling team in 2005 and 2006, winning an All-Ireland title in 2006. He also served as Manager of the Intermediate Hurling team. He played 7 senior hurling championship games for Tipperary between 1997 and 1999. He won Munster and All Ireland U-21 hurling championships in 1989, a Munster U-21 hurling championship in 1990 and a Munster minor hurling championship in 1987. He won a NHL title in 1999. He also won Munster and All-Ireland junior hurling championship medals in 1989 and 1991.

Eamon O’Shea who is team coach, played 5 senior hurling championship games for Tipperary between 1979 and 1986. He also played senior inter-county hurling with Dublin. He won Munster and All-Ireland minor hurling championships with Tipperary in 1976, Munster and All-Ireland U-21 hurling championships in 1979, a Munster U-21 hurling championship in 1978 and a NHL title in 1979. He won 4 County SH championships with Kilruane MacDonaghs and won an All-Ireland club title with them in the 1985/86 season.

Michael Ryan played 24 senior hurling championship games for Tipperary in a senior inter-county career that started in 1991 versus Limerick and ended with his retirement in 2000. He won Munster and All-Ireland SH championships in 1991. He won Munster and All Ireland U-21 hurling championships in 1989, a Munster U-21 hurling championship in 1990 and a Munster minor hurling championship in 1987. He also won two NHL titles in 1994 and 1999.

Tipperary Path to Semi-Final

Tipperary 4-14 Waterford 2-16 Semple Stadium Thurles Munster Final 12/7/09

Tipperary 3-18 Clare 1-22 Páirc na nGael Limerick Munster S/F 21/6/09

Tipperary 1-19 Cork 0-19 Semple Stadium Thurles Munster Q/F 31/5/09

Tipperary Team v Waterford 12/7/09

B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O’Brien; D Fanning, C O’Mahony (Capt), P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O’Brien; N McGrath, E Kelly, L Corbett.

Subs: B Maher for Curran (35 mins), W Ryan for Kelly (half-time), B Dunne for Woodlock (46), H Maloney for Kerwick (56), M Webster for O’Brien (69).

Scorers: L Corbett 2-02, E Kelly 1-03 (0-02f), S Callanan 1-01, N McGrath 0-03 (0-01f), P Kerwick, C O’Mahony (0-01f), S McGrath, J O’Brien, B Dunne 0-01 each

Tipperary Team v Clare 21/6/09:

B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O’Brien; D Fanning, C O’Mahony (Capt.), P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O’Brien; E Kelly, L Corbett, N McGrath.

Subs: B Maher for O’Mahony (ht), W Ryan for Kerwick (53), B Dunne for S McGrath (62), H Maloney for Callanan (63), P Kelly for E Kelly (66).

Scorers: N McGrath 0-7 (0-1f, 0-1 s/l), J O’Brien 1-2, L Corbett 1-1, P Kerwick, E Kelly (0-3f) 0-3 each, S Callanan 1-0, J Woodlock, D Fanning 0-1 each

Tipperary Team v Cork 31/5//09:

B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O’Brien; D Fanning, C O’Mahony (Capt.), P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; N McGrath, S Callanan, J O’Brien; E Kelly, L Corbett, M Webster.

Subs: P Kerwick for Webster (51), B Maher for O’Mahony (55), D Gleeson for Cummins (blood-sub 60), G Ryan for N McGrath (63), B Dunne for Woodlock (65), P Kelly for Callanan (68).

Scorers: S Callanan 1-3, E Kelly 0-5 (4f), N McGrath, L Corbett 0-3 each, B Dunne, S McGrath (1 line ball) 0-2 each, J O’Brien 0-1.

Tipperary V Limerick: Previous Championship Meetings

Played 62, Tipperary won 31, Waterford won 21 and there have been 10 draws. Tipperary also received 2 walk overs in the Munster semi-finals of 1899 and 1902.

Apart from the 10 championship draws, Tipp won 9 of their 31 successes by a goal or less, while Limerick won 7 of their 21 by the same margin.

The 2007 saga is still fresh in people’s minds –Limerick eventually won by three points, 0-22 to 2-13, after three games and two periods of extra time. It was the first time since 1926, that a Munster Senior Hurling championship game had taken three games to produce a winner

Last 12 meetings

Last Championship Meeting

Munster SH Semi Final 2nd Replay June 24th 2007

Limerick 0-22 Tipperary 2-13 aet

LIMERICK: B. Murray; S. Lucey, D. Reale (c), S. Hickey; M. O’Riordan, B. Geary, M. Foley; Mike O’Brien, D. O’Grady; M. Fitzgerald, O. Moran, N. Moran; A. O’Shaughnessy, B. Begley, K. Tobin.

Subs: P. Lawlor (Reale inj. 10); J. O’Brien (Begley 48); P. Tobin (K. Tobin 70). Extra-time subs: B. Foley (Fitzgerald 80); H. Flavin (P. Tobin 83).

TIPPERARY: G. Kennedy; E. Buckley, D. Fanning, D. Fitzgerald; E. Corcoran, C. O’Mahony, H. Maloney; S. McGrath, J. Woodlock; J. Carroll, D. Egan, B. Dunne (c); S. Butler, E. Kelly, L. Corbett.

Subs: T. Stapleton (McGrath inj. 55); P. Bourke (Carroll 64); W. Ryan (Dunne 68).

Scorers for Limerick: A. O’Shaughnessy 0-6 (0-3 frees 0-1 65); N. Moran 0-5; B. Geary 0-3 (0-1 free 0-1 65); O. Moran 0-3; M. Fitzgerald 0-2; K. Tobin 0-2; D. O’Grady 0-1.

Scorers for Tipperary: E. Kelly 0-9 (0-7 frees); D. Egan 1-0; W. Ryan 1-0; S. Butler 0-2; S. McGrath, P. Bourke, 0-1 each.

Referee: S. McMahon (Clare).

Tipperary in All Ireland Hurling Semi-Finals

Tipperary have played in 28 All Ireland Hurling semi finals, winning 22 and losing 6. The details are;

Victories

2001 Tipperary 3-12 Wexford 0-10 (Replay)

Tipperary 1-16 Wexford 3-10 (Draw)

1997 Tipperary 2-16 Wexford 0-15

1991 Tipperary 3-13 Galway 1-9

1989 Tipperary 1-17 Galway 2-11

1988 Tipperary 3-15 Antrim 2-10

1971 Tipperary 3-26 Galway 6-8

1958 Tipperary 1-13 Kilkenny 1-8

1950 Tipperary 4-7 Galway 2-6

1949 Tipperary 6-18 Antrim 1-4

1945 Tipperary 5-9 Antrim 1-6

1930 Tipperary 6-8 Galway 2-4

1925 Tipperary 12-9 Antrim 2-3

1922 Tipperary 3-2 Galway 1-3

1916 Tipperary (Boherlahan) 8-1 Galway 0-0 (Galway conceded at half time)

1913 Tipperary (Toomevara) 10-0 Roscommon 0-1

1909 Tipperary (Thurles) 6-7 Galway 5-7

1908 Tipperary (Thurles) 5-15 Galway 1-0

1906 Tipperary (Thurles) 7-14 Galway 0-2

1900 Tipperary (Two Mile Borris) 1-11 Kilkenny 1-8

1898 Tipperary (Tubberadora) 3-14 Galway1-3

1896 Tipperary (Tubberadora) 7-11 Galway 0-4

1887 Tipperary (Thurles) 4-7 Kilkenny 0-0

Defeats:

2008 Waterford 1-20 Tipperary 1-18

2003 Kilkenny 3-18 Tipperary 0-15

2002 Kilkenny 1-20 Tipperary 1-16

1993 Galway 1-16 Tipperary 1-14

1987 Galway 3-20 Tipperary 2-17

1924 Galway 3-1 Tipperary 2-3

Snippets

Appearances in 09

Paul Curran is the only played who has started all 11 games Tipperary have played in League and Championship this year. Benny Dunne, John O’Brien and James Woodlock have played in all 11 games either starting or coming on as a substitute.

Championship Scorers in 09

After the Munster Championship campaign Lar Corbett is Tipp’s top scorer with 3-6, all from play. Eoin Kelly is next with 1-11 (0-9f). He is followed jointly by Noel McGrath with 0-13 (0-2f, 0-1s/l) and Seamus Callanan with 3-4.

Championship Debutants under Liam Sheedy

Liam Sheedy has given 9 players championship debuts in his 2 seasons as Tipp SH Manager: Seamus Callanan, Darren Gleeson, Pat Kerwick, Brendan Maher, Padraic Maher, Noel McGrath, Conor O’Brien, Gearóid Ryan and Paddy Stapleton.

Tipperary v Limerick NHL April 19th 2009

The most recent competitive meeting of the counties was the National League clash at Semple Stadium on April 19th last. Tipperary won by 1-17 to 1-11, having led at half time by 0-12 to 0-4. The attendance was a modest 2,603 and Dickie Murphy (Wexford) refereed. Tipperary’s top scorers were Pa Bourke 0-6, 5 frees and Gearoid Ryan 1-3. Limerick’s main marksman was Niall Moran, who registered 0-9, 4 frees and 2 ‘65s’.

1981 Links to Current Management and Team

Current Tipp Coach Eamon O’ Shea played at left half forward for Tipp in the draw and replay of the 1981 Munster Championship semi final against Limerick. He scored 0-3 in the drawn game at Semple Stadium and 0-2 in the replay, at the Gaelic Grounds. Among his colleagues in both games was Pat Mc Grath, whose son, Noel, is a member of the present Tipperary team.

Tipp Management’s Playing Record v Limerick

Tipperary Manager Liam Sheedy never played against Limerick in Senior championship hurling. Eamonn O’ Shea played twice – 1 draw and 1 defeat. Michael Ryan, who made his debut as a substitute against Limerick in the 1991 Munster semi final at Semple Stadium, is the only member of the Tipp management to have been successful as a player against the green and white. Michael played against Limerick on four occasions, winning in 1991 and 1997, drawing in the 1996 Munster Final but losing the replay in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Last Meeting at Croke Park

The last competitive meeting of Tipperary and Limerick at Croke Park took place on April 25th 1971. The Shannonsiders won a tremendous League play off game by 2-15 to 1-15 and subsequently beat Tipp by a point in the Final at Cork on May 23rd. The teams had also met in a group match earlier in the campaign, which Limerick won by 0-13 to 1-8 .That Croke Park fixture was the only time the counties played at the venue in their sixty National League games. They have never played a championship game outside of Munster.

Eoin’s Quest for a Green Flag against the Green and White

One of the surprising aspects of Eoin Kelly’s Tipperary career, since making his senior debut at Croke Park in 2000, is that he has not scored a championship goal against Limerick. However, in nine meetings between 2001 and 2007, he has recorded a total of 0-65 for a splendid average of 7.22 points per game.

Goals Against Limerick

Over their past 12 championship meetings Tipperary have scored a total of 17 goals against Limerick. They were scored by John Carroll(3); Darragh Egan, Seamus Butler and Ger “Redser” O’Grady (2 each); and Willie Ryan, Evan Sweeney, John Devane, Thomas Dunne, Declan Ryan , Lar Corbett, Liam Cahill and Michael Cleary (1 each).

Venues for Tipp v Limerick

The most popular venue for championship games between the counties has been Cork, with a total of thirty played between the old Athletic Grounds (23) and Pairc Ui Chaoimh (7). Thurles has hosted 13 games – the first on July 1st, 1923 ended in a 2-2 each draw and the most recent, on June 16th 2007, also ended in a draw and was still level after extra time!

Last Tipp victory in Croke Park

Tipperary’s last Senior championship victory at Croke Park was their 2-16 to 2-11 quarter final success over Offaly on July 27th, 2003. The goal scorers were John Carroll and Brian O’ Meara.

Record Winning Margins

Tipperary’s biggest win in championship hurling against Limerick was achieved on July 3rd 1960, when they won a first round game by 10-9 to 2-1, at the Cork Athletic Grounds.

Limerick’s highest winning margin was claimed on June 22nd 1947 when they won a semi final clash at Cork Athletic Grounds by 6-8 to 2-3.

The most significant turnaround occurred in 1962 when the counties drew a semi final in Cork on July 1st and three weeks later Tipp won the replay by 5-13 to 2-4!

Goalless Games

While goals have been a feature of Tipp v Limerick clashes over the years, there were two occasions when neither team could raise a green flag. It first happened at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in their 1988 Semi Final meeting, which Tipp won by 0-15 to 0-8. The second occasion was at the same stage and venue in 1995, when Limerick just made it to the final by 0-16 to 0-15.

School Colleagues in Opposition!

On April 13th 1997, Cistercian College, Roscrea, (Leinster Champions) lined out against St. Cuan’s Castleblakeny, Galway (Connacht Champions) in the All Ireland Colleges ‘B’ Hurling semi final, at Nenagh. Their full back was Stephen Lucey from Croom in Limerick, while the goalkeeper was John O’ Brien from Toomevara in Tipperary. The CCR team was captained by John’s brother, Paddy, at centre forward, and his ten point contribution helped them to reach the decider on a 1-14 to 1-5 scoreline. The Connacht Tribune match report paid tribute to ‘’..an uncompromising Roscrea defence based around the prowess of Toomevara’s John O’ Brien and the power hurling of No. 3, Stephen Lucey, who gave an exhibition of full back play’’.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a happy ending to the story, as CCR lost the final two weeks later at Nenagh to the Munster Champions, St. Clement’s College, Limerick, whose line out included Stephen Lucey’s future Limerick colleagues Dave Bulfin, Brian Begley and Conor Fitzgerald. The final score was 1-8 to 0-7. It is unlikely that Dr. Lucey will be as supportive of his former CCR colleague, Mr. O’Brien, on August 16th.

Limerick Men Playing with Tipperary

Over the years there has been a tradition of players lining out with counties other than their own. In the modern era, Limerick have given three notable players to Tipperary.

On June 7th 1981, Mossie Carroll (Garryspillane/ St Mary’s, Clonmel) who had played for Limerick, in the 1980 All Ireland final loss to Galway, lined out at centre back for Tipperary in the Munster semi final against Limerick at Semple Stadium. In opposition was his brother Brian ‘Bomber’ Carroll, who played at midfield. Mossie scored a point from a free for Tipp while Brian scored a vital second half goal, as Limerick came back from an early second half deficit of 2-11 to 0-3 to earn a draw, with Joe Mc Kenna’s late point. John Grogan was top scorer for Tipp with 2-6 (0-5f) while Joe Mc Kenna with 3-1 was Limerick’s leading marksman. Limerick won the replay comfortably, in the Gaelic Grounds, two weeks later and this time the top scorers were Eamon Cregan on 1-5, (1-0 pen, 0-1f) and Seamus Bourke on 2-3 (0-2f). Mossie later served as a Limerick senior hurling selector.

The following year Brian Carroll lined out for Tipp at wing forward in the Munster championship against Cork, joining Mossie, who was again at centre back. Cork won by eight points and that was the last time the Carroll brothers wore the blue and gold in championship hurling .

Conor O’Donovan (Effin/ Nenagh Éire Óg) played for Limerick in their losing Munster Minor finals of 1979 and 1980. On the latter occasion, he lined out at right half forward and was marked by Denis Finnerty (Eire Og, Nenagh as it was then known) who soon became a club colleague. Conor played at midfield for the Tipp under 21s in their 1982 loss to Limerick, which brought the quest for a four in a row to an end. In 1983 he was at centre forward on the Tipp under 21 team, which won Munster but lost the All Ireland final to Galway. He subsequently represented Tipp at senior level and his versatility was well proven with stints at left half back (Open Draw Cup 1985), right full back (1988 NHL victory) and full back (1989 All Ireland success). Conor captained his club to victory, from full back, in the 1995 Tipp Senior Hurling championship .

Joe McKenna’s Tipp connections

Joe Mc Kenna ,a native of Shinrone, Co. Offaly, who enjoyed many successful championship days for Limerick against Tipperary is the uncle of Owen and Darragh Maher from Roscrea, both of whom played Minor Hurling for Tipperary. Owen was involved with the 1988 team, while Darragh was with the 1989 edition. Owen was also a Tipp under 21 for two seasons, 1990 (Munster champions) and 1991. Owen and Darragh have another legendary uncle in Brendan Maher, who won six Co. SHC medals with Roscrea, between 1968 and 1980, along with the first ever All Ireland club title in 1971. Brendan now resides in New York where he remains involved in GAA affairs.

The Cummins File

Brendan Cummins made his 54th championship appearance for Tipperary and equalled John Doyle’s championship appearances record, which stood since 1967, when lining out against Waterford in the Munster Final on 12/7/2009.

Date of Birth 11/5/1975

Club Ballybacon-Grange

Senior Championship Debut 21/5/1995, at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Tipperary 4-23 Waterford 1-11, Munster First Round game.

Senior Championship Statistics: Played 54 , Won 30, Drew 5 and lost 19.

Hasn’t scored yet in the championship, but has contributed in a few League Games, most recently a point from a free v. Kilkenny in the 3/5/2009 Final at Semple Stadium.

Tipp goalkeeper for 48 consecutive championship games from 1995 until the first drawn game v Limerick in 2007. Was overlooked for the first replay, second replay, as well as the subsequent Qualifier games v. Offaly, Dublin and Cork and the Quarter Final v. Wexford. Regained his place in 2008 for the Munster Semi Final v Cork and played in the following games v Clare and Waterford. Played in three games v. Cork, v. Clare, v. Waterford – 2009 championship.

Record in Championship

v. Cork Played 6, Won 2 (2008/2009) Lost 4, (2000, 2004, 2005, 2006). Kept a clean sheet in the 2000 Munster Final and 2009 first round game, both at Semple Stadium.

v. Clare Played 11, Won 6 (2000,2001,2002,2005,2008,2009), Drew 1 (1999), Lost 4 (1997 x2, 1999,2003). Clean sheets in 1997 All Irl Final, 2001,2005,2008.

v. Waterford Played 10, Won 5 (1995,1996,2000,2006, 2009), Lost 5 (1998,2002, 2004,2006 2008) .Clean sheets 1998, 2000.

v. Limerick Played 11, Won 6 (1997,2001, 2002,2004,2005,2006), Lost 2 (1995,1996) Drew 3 (1996, 2005, 2007). Clean sheets 1995, 1996 (Draw), 1997, 2005 (Replay).

Championship opponents:

Limerick 11, Clare 11, Waterford 10,Cork 6, Galway 4, Wexford 3, ,Kerry ,Kilkenny and Offaly 2, Down, Antrim and Laois 1.

Most wins v Limerick and Clare, 6 against each, Most draws v Limerick 3, Most defeats v. Waterford 5.

The 15 clean sheets were kept against Clare and Limerick 4 each ,Wexford, Cork, Waterford 2 each, Laois 1 .

No championship win over Kilkenny – only met twice in the All Ireland Semi finals of 2002 and 2003. Brendan’s performance in that 2003 semi final is still considered by many people to have been the most impressive in his career, even though Tipp lost. It was good enough for the All Star selectors too!

The only county, which participated in this year’s McCarthy Cup, against which Brendan has not played Championship hurling is Dublin.

Full Backs

While he has looked out from the Tipp goal since 1995, his full backs have changed considerably over the years. A total of eight players have lined out at full back in championship games (excluding switches during games) in the fifteen seasons 1995 to 2009. The No 3 jersey was worn by ; Noel Sheehy, 7 times (1995, 1997); Paul Shelly, 4 times (1996); Mick Ryan, once (1998); Fergal Heaney, 3 times (1999); Philip Maher, 24 times (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006); Paul Curran, 13 times (2003, 2006, 2008, 2009); John Devane once (2005); and Declan Fanning once (2007).

Feel free to use any of this information as appropriate. My thanks to Seamus O’Doherty for his assistance in preparing this Press Pack.

Ger Ryan

PRO, Tipperary County Board

Tel: 086 8149146

Email: pro.tipperary@gaa.ie