GAA round-up
Tipperary 2-16 Limerick 1-17
Tipperary won the Munster Hurling championship after a hard fought but thrilling victory over Limerick at Pairc Ui Chaoimh this afternoon.
Limerick will rue numerous missed chances during a second half in which they dominated while Tipperary manager Nicky English is sure to question his side’s uneven display, despite victory.
Tipperary managed only a single point during a desperate 20 minute period in the second half, however, Limerick’s inability to point despite their command over the game allowed Tipp keep in touch in the closing stages.
Paul O’Grady, Ciaran Carey and Mark Foley pointed to leave the sides level with five minutes remaining.
Tipperary’s strength in depth on the bench was to play a crucial role in Limerick’s downfall as substitutes Eoin O’Meara and John O’Brien remained composed to point the winning scores.
The first half was played at a ferocious pace with both sides pointing consistently early on.
Limerick seized the initiative after 12 minutes when impressive debutante Sean O’Connor netted after useful work from full forward Brian Begley.
Tipperary hit back moments later when full forward Declan Ryan booted a goal after good build up play from the excellent Brian O’Meara.
Five minutes later, O’Meara once again penetrated the Limerick defence and stole inside the full back line where his delicately flicked attempt came off the post.Lar Corbett, however, was on hand to flick the rebound into the net.
Four free’s from marksman Paul O’Grady and a superb O’Connor effort left the teams all square at half time.Tipperary 2-8 Limerick 1-11.