Tipp Masters suffer first defeat

GAA: Gaelic Masters Hurling All-Ireland Hurling Round 3

Wexford 3-15

Tipperary 3-14

Report: Michael McCarthy in Enniscorthy

Wexford gained revenge for the previous two final defeats to Tipperary with a one-point win over the reigning champions on Sunday, and in doing so inflicted the first defeat on this Tipperary side since the re-introduction of the Gaelic Masters Hurling competition.

Both sides were missing key bodies from previous meetings and what followed was very much a game of two halves. Wexford were quickest out of the blocks and a blistering first-half display, which included two early goals, set them firmly on their way.

The home side brought huge energy and sharpness to the opening exchanges and Tipperary struggled to get to the pitch of the game. Wexford’s full-forward line caused major problems, with Nigel Higgins in devastating form. Higgins finished with a superb tally of 3-2 and his first-half goals gave Wexford real control of the contest.

John Breen was also hugely influential for the home side, landing 0-7 over the hour, while Stephen Murphy and Gary Martin both chipped in with two points each. Further scores from Jonathan Dwyer and John O’Connor helped Wexford build up a commanding half-time lead.

At the interval, Wexford led 2-12 to 0-5 and Tipperary were left with a mountain to climb. To their credit, the reigning champions showed the character that has defined this group over the past few seasons. After half-time, manager Ger ‘Redser’ O’Grady reshuffled the pack, with Sean Quirke deployed further forward, and that move had a major impact on the contest.

Quirke grabbed two crucial second-half majors as Tipperary slowly but surely dragged themselves back into the game. Alan Byrne also found the net and finished with 1-2, while David Young was once again reliable from placed balls and open play, finishing with 0-7, including three frees.

Ronan O’Brien and Nigel Kenny added two points each, while O’Grady also got on the scoresheet as Tipp turned what looked like a lost cause into a thrilling contest.

The second-half comeback was full of grit, work-rate and belief. Tipperary began to win more breaking ball, their forwards found space, and Wexford were forced to defend deep as the game entered the closing stages.

Despite Wexford’s strong first-half platform, Tipperary’s stirring second-half comeback nearly saw them clinch an unlikely victory at the death, only for a goal-bound shot to ricochet off the goalkeeper’s ankle and away to safety.

That late escape ensured Wexford held on for a memorable one-point victory, a result that blows the Gaelic Masters Hurling championship race wide open.

Tipperary will now need to win their two remaining games to give themselves a chance of retaining their title for a third successive year. Next up is Dublin on Saturday, June 13th in Borrisoleigh at 3.00pm.

Wexford: Patrick Murphy, Joe Lawler, Peter Kennedy, Thomas Devereux, Darren Fenlon, John O’Connor (0-1), Chris Daly, Stephen Murphy (0-2), Tommy Dwyer, Larry Morrissey, Gary Martin (0-2), Jonathan Dwyer (0-1), Alan Lynch, John Breen (0-7), Nigel Higgins (3-2).

Tipperary: Ger O’Grady (Thurles Sarsfields 0-1); Mickey Coleman (Cashel KC), Sean Quirke (Silvermines 2-0), Stevie Lillis (Thurles Sarsfields); Cathal Gleeson (Silvermines), Declan Fanning (Killenaule), Tommy Collins (Ballina), Alan Byrne (Shannon Rovers 1-2), Derek Horan (Shannon Rovers), Tommy Connors (Kiladangan), David Young (Toomevara 0-7, 3f), John Hassett (Moyne-Templetuohy), Nigel Kenny (Gortnahoe/Glengoole 0-2), Ronan O’Brien (Eire Og Annacarty/D 0-2), Shane Stapleton (Golden Kilfeacle). Sub used: Matty Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh).