Tipperary’s goal edge sees them past Clare

Tipperary 2-19 Clare 0-20

Tipperary collected two valuable Division 1A league points at Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday when they had five points to spare over a Clare side who now face a tight battle to stay up having now lost three out of three.

They face Dublin at home next weekend and then travel to Nowlan Park for their last outing, against Kilkenny.

Tipperary were the better side yesterday but still had to rely on two crucial goals in the second period to secure the victory. Played in front of a crowd of 7, 363, this game never really lived up to its hyped billing, that being said though, there were some fine scores throughout the seventy minutes.

The Tipperary attack were in fine scoring form in the absence of half-forwards Brendan Maher and Jason Forde, both suffering from illness. Forde did make an appearance late in the game and he grabbed the final score, a point close to the whistle.

The visitors hit the ground running and lead by three points to nil after six minutes thanks to John "Bubbles" O'Dwyer, a Seamus Callanan free and a John McGrath effort. McGrath put in a man-of-the-match performance notching five points from play over the course of the game. Clare got off the mark on seven when Colin Ryan landed a twenty metre free.

Once they settled, they put it up to Tipp and nosed in front by the twentieth when centre-back Conor Ryan pointed to put his side 0-5 to 0-4 ahead. The remainder of the half remained tight and with two minutes to go to the half time break, the Premier county held a 0-10 to 0-9 advantage. A storming pre-interval finish though saw Tipperary tag on three points by John O'Dwyer, wing back Michael Breen and Seamus Callanan to make it 0-14 to 0-9 at the whistle.

On the return, Tipperary increased their lead with early scores by Breen once more and John McGrath. Clare replied with a trio of points by free-taker Colin Ryan to keep his side in touch. Then Tipp struck for a vital goal. Padraic Maher flicked a fine hand-pass to the awaiting Noel McGrath and the corner-forward drove a low shot to the Banner net giving keeper Pa Kelly no chance.

The goal opened up a six point difference and when Noel’s brother John added a point he made it seven.

Clare stayed in contention and were luck not to grab a goal of their own but for the alertness of Tipperary goalkeeper Darren Gleeson. The Portroe clubman had to be at his most vigilant when he made a fine save from Tony Kelly in the fifty-third minute.

The visitors ensured the victory with just three minutes on the clock. They lead by just two, 1-18 to 0-19 when James Woodlock pounced for a goal after a pass by Callanan. This score gave them the breathing space they needed and a timely tonic in preparation for their next outing against Kilkenny.

Tipperary: D Gleeson, C Barrett, C O'Mahony, C O'Brien, M Breen (0-2), P Maher, R Maher, K Bergin, J Woodlock (1-0), C Kenny, J O'Dwyer (0-4) 2 f's, N O'Meara, N McGrath (1-0), S Callannan(0-7) 5 f's, J McGrath (0-5).

Subs: J Forde (0-1) for Kenny (50), G Ryan for O’Meara (56), J Meagher for N McGrath (60), S Bourke for J McGrath (65), T Stapleton for Woodlock (69).

Clare: P Kelly, P Flanagan, C Dillon, D McInerney, B Bugler, Conor Ryan (0-5), P O'Connor, P Donnellan, C Galvin (0-1), Colin Ryan (0-8) all frees, T Kelly (0-2) 1f, S Golden, C McGrath (0-1), S O'Donnell (0-1), J Conlon (0-2).

Subs: A Cunningham for Golden (half-time), S Morey for Donnellan (62), C Cleary for Bugler (64).

Referee: B Galvin (Offaly).