Tipperary have won the National Hurling League final after a hard fought 1-19 to 0-17 victory over Munster rivals Clare at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick this afternoon.
Nicky English’s side, combining a fine blend of youth and experience, were slow into their stride and looked unconvincing in the opening exchanges.Clare dominated from the throw-in and soon opened up a sizeable 0-6 to 0-1 advantage.
But, as the pace of the game settled so to did the Tipperary players.Well picked off points from Lar Corbett and Declan Ryan leveled the game at seven points apiece before Jamsie O’Connor put Clare in front once again. Clare led 0-10 to 0-7 at half-time.
Tipperary, searching for their 18th National League title, took to the field in the second half with a new-fashioned hunger.Within 90 seconds of the throw-in, Tipp full forward Declan Ryan scored a splendid goal and a point to propel his side into the lead.
Tipperary held a slender one point advantage with 15 minutes remaining.From there the lighting quick duo of Lar Corbett and Eoin Kelly were to reek havoc on the Clare defence, scoring an impressive nine points between them.
Late in the game Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins held his nerve on three occasions to deny the Clare attack valuable goal opportunities.Clare will rue numerous missed opportunities in a second half that brought them a mere seven points.
The two sides meet each other in the Munster Championship on June 3rd.
Meanwhile,Laois relied on a second half purple patch to beat a game Wexford side in the preliminary round of the Leinster Senior Football championship at Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow.
Chris Conway and Ian Fitzgerald were on the score-sheet for Laois in the first half but resilient Wexford pressure brought the sides level 0-7 to 0-7 at the interval.However, a ten minute scoring spree in the second half was sufficient for Laois to win through to a first round meeting with neighbours Offaly.
At Navan, Longord put a dismal first half performance behind them to outclass Louth in the other preliminary round match.JP Rooney’s first half goal gave Louth command of the opening exchanges before Pauric Davis netted for Longford.
Louth held a two point advantage at half-time but wasteful shooting in the closing stages gifted Longford the initiative.Longford are now through to a Croke Park meeting with Dublin at the end of the month.
NHL Final
Tipperary 1-19 Clare 0-17
Leinster SFC, Prelim
Longford 1-11 Louth 1-09
Laois 0-18 Wexford 0-14