Tipp Masters Hurlers back to winning ways over Dublin

GAA: Gaelic Masters Hurling Round 4

Tipperary 2-29

Dublin 0-14

Report: Michael McCarthy at Bishop Quinlan Park, Borrisoleigh

Tipperary returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion in round 4 of the Gaelic Masters Hurling Championship, producing a powerful second half display to see off a battling Dublin side on Saturday.

This was a game that had plenty of honest hurling, especially in the opening half, where Dublin brought strong work-rate and physicality to the contest. Tipperary, however, carried the sharper edge in attack and their greater accuracy was evident throughout. By half-time, Tipp had built up a deserved 0-16 to 0-8 lead, not because Dublin were out of the contest in terms of effort, but because Tipperary were more clinical when chances came their way.

The home side had a nice spread of scorers early on, with Stevie Lillis, Orrie Quirke, David Young, Graham Gohery, Tommy Connors, Cathal Gleeson, Ronan O’Brien, Shane Stapleton and Seán Quirke all contributing to a lively first half. Dublin had their moments too, and they continued to press hard, but Tipp’s defence gave very little away in terms of clear goal chances.

At the back, Eoin Brislane was cool and calm between the posts, while the defensive unit in front of him gave Tipperary a strong platform. Graham Gohery was excellent, while impressive cornerbacks Ciarán Ryan and Ross Dunne were part of a very solid Tipp rearguard. Paul Curran, Cathal Gleeson, Shane McGrath and Stevie Lillis also brought composure and experience to a defence that kept Dublin to 0-8 in the first half and 0-14 overall.

The second half was where Tipperary really put the game to bed. Tipp meant business from the restart, and although Dublin continued to battle hard, the Premier County moved through the gears. Orrie Quirke was outstanding around midfield, finishing with six points from play in a superb individual display. He was ably supported by Shane Stapleton, whose hard running and honest work helped Tipp stay on top in the middle third.

The decisive score arrived after forty when the industrious Seán Quirke finished a good Tipp move to the net. Quirke had led the line very well throughout, giving Tipp a strong target inside, and his goal pushed the game firmly in Tipperary’s direction. With the scoreboard pressure now heavy on Dublin, Tipp continued to find space and confidence in attack.

Niall Curran was another to impress in a very good overall team performance, while substitute Pat Shortt made a real impact when introduced, landing two fine points from play and adding energy to the Tipp attack. Alan Curran, Nigel Kenny, Owen Shortt, Chilly Fitzelle, and Tom Costello also got among the second half scores as Tipp’s bench made its presence felt.

The icing on the cake came at the death when Mickey Coleman raised Tipp’s second green flag. It was a well-worked score too, with quick hands from Thomas Costello helping to create the opening before Coleman applied the finish. It rounded off a comprehensive second half showing from Tipp, who ended the game with a very impressive 2-29 on the board.

For Dublin, former dual star Shane Ryan was excellent up front and carried a constant threat for the Sky Blues. Tipperary natives Philly Taylor of Cashel, Johnny Ryan of Cappawhite, and Ollie Delaney of Borris-Ileigh also put in strong showings for Dublin. This is Dublin’s first year back in the competition and they have already proven to be a very welcome addition, bringing commitment, quality and a competitive edge to the grade.

For Tipp, this was a strong response and a very encouraging performance. The work-rate, defensive shape, spread of scorers and impact from the bench were all major positives. With experienced players leading the way and others stepping up around them, Tipperary will take plenty from this display as they continue their campaign.

Tipperary: Eoin Brislane (Toomevara); Ciarán Ryan (Cappawhite), Paul Curran (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone), Ross Dunne (Cappawhite), Stevie Lillis (Thurles Sarsfields 0-2), Cathal Gleeson (Silvermines 0-1), Graham Gohery (Knockshegowna 0-1), Shane Stapleton (Golden Kilfeacle 0-1), Orrie Quirke (Silvermines 0-6), David Young (Toomevara 0-3), Niall Curran (Silvermines 0-1), John Hassett (Moyne-Templetuohy), Tommy Connors (Kiladangan 0-1), Seán Quirke (Silvermines 1-1), Ronan O'Brien (Eire Óg Annacarty/D 0-3).

Subs: Mickey Coleman (Cashel KC 1-0), Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch), Declan Fanning (Killenaule), Pat Shortt (Upperchurch/Drombane 0-2), Thomas Costello (Cappawhite 0-1), Peter Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Owen Shortt (Upperchurch/Drombane 0-1), Chilly Fitzelle (Cashel KC 0-1), Nigel Kenny (Gortnahoe/Glengoole 0-1), Alan Curran (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone 0-2).

Dublin panel: Darren Benham, Jason Buckley, Martin Byrne, Conor Casserly, Arthur Creane, Craig Curtis, Ollie Delaney, Gary Donaghey, Mark Duggan, Liam Dé Búrca, Karl English, Jason Fitzpatrick, Colm Hennebry, David Keane, Antoin Keating, Daniel Kelly, Gearóid Keogh, Shane Kiernan, Dessie Leonard, Proinsias Mac Fheargusa, Daithí Mac Suibhne, Kevin McKenna, Seán McCann, Stephen McDonnell, Brian McGowan, Frank McNamara, Graham Morris, Jonathan Nolan, Mick O’Donovan, Ryan O’Dwyer, Gerald O’Meara, Damien O’Reilly, Shane O’Neill, Mark O’Riordan, Paddy Peters, Paul Reilly, Eoin Ryan, John Ryan, Johnny Ryan, Shane Ryan, Shane Stapleton, Philip Taylor, Paul Vague, Conor Whyte, Colm Breathnach, Rory Hearne, Liam Ó Briain, Cónán Ó Broin.