Tipp Masters tested by Galway

GAA: Gaelic Masters All-Ireland Hurling Championship Round 1

Galway 2-14

Tipperary 2-17

Report: Michael McCarthy in Killimordaly

Tipperary opened the defence of their All-Ireland Masters Hurling Championship title with a hard-fought three-point victory over Galway on Saturday.

The game exploded into life from the throw-in with Galway striking for goal inside the opening minute as Joe Gantley rifled past Ger O’Grady to hand the Tribesmen the perfect start.

David Young responded with a free for Tipp and Alan Byrne followed with a point from play, but Galway continued to threaten, with Fergal Healy prominent in attack.

Young’s accuracy from placed balls, including two 65s, kept Tipp in touch, but Galway’s inside line caused constant problems. Gantley struck for his second goal after finding himself unmarked, and with Ger Farragher unerring from frees, Galway carried a narrow advantage for much of the opening half.

Tipperary stayed composed. Scores from Cathal Gleeson, John Hassett and Young kept them within striking distance, while a late point from Lar Corbett ensured they trailed by just one at the break, 2-7 to 0-12.

Galway resumed strongly, with Farragher extending their lead from a free, but Tipperary finally found their breakthrough. Tommy Connors with a point and then Shane Stapleton, following clever work from Corbett, combined for a crucial goal that pushed Tipp into the lead for the first time, 1-13 to 2-8.

The sides continued to trade blows. Farragher’s frees brought Galway level and then edged them back in front, and it looked as though the westerners might push on.

But the turning point arrived midway through the half. David Young converted another free before Graham Gohery delivered a long ball into the danger area that deceived the Galway goalkeeper and dropped into the net, a slice of fortune that proved decisive as Tipp moved two clear.

Galway refused to go away, with Farragher again cutting the deficit to the minimum, but Tipperary’s experience told in the closing stages. Corbett steadied the ship with a vital point, Young added another, and although Farragher responded from a free, Niall Curran had the final say to seal a deserved victory.

It was the narrowest margin of victory Tipperary have recorded in the Masters competition over the past three seasons, underlining just how competitive this encounter proved.

Galway can take plenty of positives, with Ger Farragher outstanding from placed balls, Tom Tierney influential at centre-back, and Joe Gantley a constant threat early on. The additions of Niall & Fergal Healy added further energy and quality to their performance.

Tipperary, meanwhile, showed the value of experience. A late pre-match reshuffle saw Ger O’Grady step into goal following the loss of Eoin Brislane, and he handled everything thrown at him impressively. Declan Fanning anchored the defence superbly in the second half, while Ross Dunne and the outstanding Ciarán Ryan impressed while Cathal Gleeson provided leadership at centre-back. Up front, Lar Corbett’s move to the edge of the square proved pivotal, while newcomer John Hassett, Young and Niall Curran consistently drove Tipperary forward. Orrie Quirke had an impressive debut at midfield as did Alan Byrne when introduced early in the first half.

Next up is a home clash with Cork on the weekend of May 16/17.

Tipperary: Ger O’Grady (Thurles Sarsfields); Ciarán Ryan (Cappawhite), Seán Quirke (Silvermines), Peter Maher (Thurles Sarsfields); Thomas Collins (Ballina), Declan Fanning (Killenaule), Cathal Gleeson (Silvermines 0-1); Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields 0-2), Orrie Quirke (Silvermines 0-1), Tommy Connors (Kiladangan 0-1), Niall Curran (Silvermines 0-1), John Hassett (Moyne-Templetuohy 0-1), Nigel Kenny (Gortnahoe/Glengoole), David Young (Toomevara 0-9, 6f), Shane Stapleton (Golden Kilfeacle 1-0). Subs used: Ross Dunne (Cappawhite), Graham Gohery (Knockshegowna 1-0), Alan Byrne (Shannon Rovers 0-1).