Kilkenny 1-20 Tipperary 1-16
Kilkenny will play Clare in the All-Ireland hurling final after beating Tipperary by four points in a enthralling semi-final clash at Croke Park this afternoon.
The game quickly developed into a helter-skelter encounter that captivated the spirit of true championship hurling. Kilkenny, spurred on by the return of DJ Carey, were well marshaled in defence and that ultimately acted as a launch pad for their success.
Tipperary played with more fluency in the early stages and found corner forward Eoin Kelly a lucrative scoring outlet. But while Kelly and Eugene O’Neill pointed Tipperary into slender leads, Kilkenny themselves soon found an attacking rhythm and never allowed their opponents open more than a two point advantage.
Kelly and Henry Shefflin traded points in the opening exchanges as neither side could pull away from their opponents.
Shefflin rattled over his fifth score late in the first half - a free - to level proceedings for the eighth time at eight points apiece. Both sets of forwards continued to match each other score for score and the contest was level at half-time (0-10 to 0-10).
Kilkenny made a stunning start to the second period and opened up a three point lead through John Hoyne, Eddie Brennan and Carey. But Nicky English’s side were far from rattled and remained composed enough to equalise with a goal 12 minutes into the half.
Full forward Eugene O’Neill collected a ball on the sideline and whipped a precise pass to substitute Conor Glesson who in turn unleashed a goal bound shot. Kilkenny ‘keeper James McGarry made a brave save from point blank range but was helpless to prevent John O’Carroll tapping home the rebound.
Kilkenny’s young substitute Jimmy Coogan was full of initiative after his introduction and his quick fire double strike midway through the half was to leave Tipperary chasing the game until the death.
He pointed stylishly with his first touch of the game and then, one minute later, left Tipperary ‘keeper Brendan Cummins picking the ball from the net.
DJ Carey’s meandering run in the 59th minute drew the Tipperary defence from position and left Coogan unmarked and in space. Carey’s silky stick work ensured that none of the pursuing Tipperary defenders could hook him. Despite a hefty challenge, Carey was wary enough to spot Coogan with a deft hand pass. The youngster soundly beat Cummins with a rasping effort. Kilkenny were four points to the good.
But still Tipperary upped their game and bridged that gap to a single point with only minutes remaining. Captain Tommy Dunne, Brian O’Meara and substitute John O’Brien all finding their range. But Kilkenny, the Leinster champions, again summoned considerable spirit and determination to battle back with a further four scores to record a memorable victory.