First half shows what Tipp are capable of

By Stephen Barry

The first-half performance against Leitrim will stand as a benchmark for what this growing Tipperary team are capable of in 2026.

Having chosen to play against the wind, the Blue & Gold overwhelmed a limp Leitrim challenge to carry a ten-point lead into half-time.

That owed to supreme midfield domination, precise shooting efficiency, and a much smoother defensive display against their wayward opponents.

Post-match, manager Niall Fitzgerald was pleasantly surprised to hear that Tipp had put down a first half without kicking any wide. In fact, 100% of their shots were on target. Two Killian Gaffey saves from Seán O’Connor and an Eoin Craddock point attempt which was tipped onto the post brought their conversion rate down to a still impressive 80%.

Tipp conducted their warm-up against the wind into the St Luke’s End in Clonmel. That proved a benefit to gauge the breeze and learn how far they needed to carry the ball in before pulling the trigger. There were still eye-catching scores from distance, including a Steven O’Brien two-point free and shots from just inside the arc by O’Connor and Paudie Feehan.

By contrast, Leitrim almost exclusively shot from outside the arc. Their first seven point attempts came from that range. Only one was taken. Across the half, they put three wide, left four short, and scored two. Just once did they take on a point from inside the arc. They ended the half with a 27% success rate.

The tone was set by Tipp holding possession for three minutes without interruption until O’Connor got in for a shot on goal. Notably, Tipp have also won the throw-in and maintained possession for three straight minutes against Longford, ending with an O’Brien point, and Antrim, ending with a wide.

Tipp’s physicality and aggression far outmatched Leitrim’s around the middle. Feehan has been relocated from centre-back to centre-field for their past two games and made a strong impact. When the game was there to be won, the Killenaule clubman came up with a series of key interventions. It began with a brilliant one-on-one turnover on opposition captain Ryan O’Rourke, which was countered for an O’Connor point. 0-5 to 0-2.

Feehan won the breaking ball from the kick-out. That resulted in a half-chance of goal for Daithí Hogan, which Cian Smith tidied for a point. 0-6 to 0-2.

Feehan then rose highest to mark the subsequent kick-out, sparking an attack which ended with an O’Connor free. 0-7 to 0-2.

With Leitrim growing restless, Feehan was fouled under the next kick-out. That move ended with Steven O’Brien recycling the ball to the captain on the 65. He slalomed between two defenders on a 30-metre dash before pointing in style from just inside the arc. 0-8 to 0-2.

Feehan also led the final attack of Tipp’s eight-point burst to assist a fisted point for O’Brien. 0-9 to 0-2.

At the end of that sequence, Leitrim were presented with a couple of opportunities to revive their flagging hopes. However, they let Tipp off the hook time and again.

A 50-metre advancement against Joe Higgins for failing to hand the ball back went unpunished. A needless free conceded by Jack Harney on the edge of the arc was left short.

When they turned Tipp over around the D, the shot on goal was dribbled at Shane Garland. The next opening was dropped and the keeper swooped to claim a valuable dispossession. A couple more goal chances went a-begging in the second half.

It was clear where Leitrim manager Steven Poacher saw the biggest flaws as the visitors’ entire half-back line, plus their full-back, were hooked by half-time.

Barry McNulty has made headlines for his two-point exploits, kicking six as a half-time substitute against London, but Kieran Costello tagged him to good effect. McNulty converted one white flag from five attempts, only two of which were in open play.

Tipp also came up with some fine one-on-one turnovers throughout, including textbook tackles from Mark Stokes and Manus McFadden.

Where the first half featured 26 shots, the second half deteriorated hand in hand with the conditions. There were just 16 shots undertaken. Nine belonged to Tipp. They took four, including a pair of orange flags, to win a forgettable half by 0-6 to 0-3.

The Premier camp was clear about the inspiration and motivation derived from Philly Ryan’s memory as they returned to Clonmel Sportsfield, a switch necessitated by remedial works at FBD Semple Stadium.

Their former manager would’ve been proud of the whole team, and happier again to see his hometown heroes, O’Connor (1-6), Smith (0-4), towering midfielder Higgins, and outstanding centre-back James Morris (who assisted 0-5), thriving.

O’Connor, Smith, and Hogan have scored heavily in all five outings. They now have an extra foil in O’Brien, who has booted 1-9 in his last three games. His kick-out prowess also set the move in motion for O’Connor’s goal.

The only downside of the afternoon was Longford’s victory over Carlow, which prevented Tipp from moving into the promotion places. And while they overtook Wicklow for third, the Garden County retain greater control of their own destiny.

If Oisín McConville’s side win their remaining games against Tipp and Longford, they will be promoted. If Tipp win their remaining games against Wicklow and Waterford, they still need Longford to drop points against either Leitrim or Wicklow.

Given the topsy-turvy nature of Division 4 football, if Tipp can take care of their business, they have every chance.