Final day defeat sums up frustrating league campaign

In the end, a win wouldn’t have been enough to save Tipperary from the drop last Sunday but it would have been nice to leave division 2 on a high.

However, that wasn’t to be as for the second time in ten minutes at Semple Stadium, a Clare side performed a smash and grab job in injury time to secure their division 2 status and consign Munster rivals Tipperary and Cork to division 3 football in 2020.

From a Tipperary point of view, the loss was softened by the news from Armagh where Cork had won which meant that the Premier County couldn’t have survived with a win.

However, they will be frustrated that they didn’t hang on for the victory, despite leading 1-13 to 1-8 at half time, having had the benefit of a fresh breeze behind them. And one of the elements which continually hurt Tipperary throughout this campaign came back to haunt them as a slow start to the second half allowed Clare not only to get back level but to get their noses in front within seven minutes of the restart.

For all their struggles this year, one aspect that is still very strong within this Tipperary side is spirit and to respond from that blow to keep Clare scoreless for 28 minutes, with a strong breeze behind them, scoring six points themselves to take command going down the home straight was impressive. However, they were unable to close it out and at a stage they were three points clear, they lacked that ability to shut up shop and ensure defensively they were secure.

They were also the creators of their own downfall, particularly John Meagher who was at fault for both second half goals by failing to secure possession when in command of the situation and Clare ruthlessly punished on both occasions.

 

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