Stapleton goal edges Tipp past Cork

GAA: Gaelic Masters Association Hurling Championship Round 2

Tipperary 1-19

Cork 1-17

Report: Michael McCarthy at Bishop Quinlan Park, Borrisoleigh

Tipperary maintained their unbeaten start to the Gaelic Masters Hurling campaign after battling past a determined Cork side in dreadful conditions in Borrisoleigh on Sunday.

A heavy shower just before throw-in left the surface greasy and difficult during the opening half, while persistent rain throughout the second period turned the contest into a war of attrition rather than a spectacle.

In the end, a crucial Matty Stapleton goal on 38 minutes proved the difference as Tipp held firm during a frantic finish.

The home side settled quickly and were on the scoreboard after just thirty seconds when Moyne-Templetuohy native John Hassett opened the scoring.

Cork responded immediately with a point of before Tipp began to gain control through the industry of midfield and the accuracy of David Young and Lar Corbett.

A second point from Hassett helped Tipp move 0-5 to 0-2 clear after eight minutes, while Shane Stapleton and another David Young effort had the Premier men firmly in the ascendancy.

However, the momentum swung sharply midway through the half when Lar Corbett was forced off with a hamstring injury after fifteen minutes.

Cork took full advantage and began to dominate possession and territory. A string of impressive points from play saw the Rebels overturn the deficit and move 0-10 to 0-8 in front.

Niall Curran and David Young steadied the ship for Tipp with two important scores to level matters, but Cork finished the half strongly with a pair of late points to lead 0-12 to 0-10 at the interval.

Tipperary emerged for the second half with renewed purpose. Two Shane McGrath points, including one from a placed ball, had Redser O'Grady's side level within minutes of the restart.

Cork edged back in front briefly with another point from play before the decisive moment arrived on 38 minutes. Matty Stapleton, playing on his home patch, reacted quickest after winning possession inside the full-forward line. His effort crashed down off the crossbar and over the line sparking huge celebrations among the local support and swinging momentum firmly in Tipp’s favour.

That goal gave Tipperary breathing space and they began to control the game despite the worsening weather. David Young continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over, while Orrie Quirke added valuable points from play as Tipp stretched their advantage to five points entering the closing stages.

To Cork’s credit, they refused to go away. Deep into injury time they were awarded a penalty, which was dispatched to the net to cut the gap to two and set up a nervy finale for the Premier County.

David Young responded with a calming free for Tipp before Cork launched one final attack.

A late 65 from the Cork goalkeeper dropped over the bar rather than into the square, leaving just enough time for referee Owen Behan to sound the final whistle and confirm another hard-earned Tipperary victory.

Tipperary play away to Wexford in round 3.

Tipperary: Eoin Brislane (Toomevara); Ciarán Ryan (Cappawhite), Declan Fanning (Killenaule), Matty Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh 1-0); Tommy Collins (Ballina), Paul Curran (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone), Cathal Gleeson (Silvermines 0-1); Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch 0-3, 1f), Orrie Quirke (Silvermines 0-3), Alan Byrne (Shannon Rovers), Niall Curran (Silvermines 0-1), John Hassett (Moyne-Templetuohy 0-2), Shane Stapleton (Golden Kilfeacle 0-1), David Young (Toomevara 0-7, 3f), Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields 0-1).

Subs used: Alan Curran (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone), Ross Dunne (Cappawhite), Derek Horan (Shannon Rovers), Nigel Kenny (Gortnahoe/Glengoole), Mickey Coleman (Cashel King Cormacs), Willie Fitzelle (Cashel King Cormacs), Peter Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Stephen Lillis (Thurles Sarsfields) Graham Gohery (Knockshegowna).