Tipperary 2-25 Waterford 0-12:TIPPERARY HAMMERED Waterford in last night's semi-final at Semple Stadium in front of 3,126 spectators in Thurles. Leading by just four points at half-time, 1-8 to 0-7, Tipp outscored the Déise by 1-17 to 0-5 in the second period.
A devastating burst of 1-4 without reply after half-time knocked the stuffing out of Waterford. Tadhg Gallagher’s 32nd minute goal set Tipp firmly on their way. Gallagher was one of three members of the Nenagh CBS All-Ireland colleges winning side in the Tipperary line-up – and he played a key role at midfield.
Tipp may have ran riot in the second period but the opening half was much closer – with goal chances going begging at both ends. Tipp did manage the only goal of the half – a fine effort from Seán Ryan in the 11th minute.
Stephen Cahill rattled a shot off the crossbar from a tight angle and Waterford goalkeeper Seán Barry also pulled off a couple of smart saves.
TIPPERARY: P Maher; R Maher, M Breen, J Peters; D Fitzelle, T Hamill, B Heffernan; B Maher (0-1), T Gallagher (1-2); J McGrath (0-5, 0-1 65), J Shelly, S O’Brien (0-3); S Cahill (0-4), M McCarthy (0-6, 0-4 frees), S Ryan (1-3). Subs: T Kirwan for Gallagher (56 mins), C Lanigan (0-1) for McCarthy (57), J Loughnane for Fitzelle (58), S Nally for B Maher (60), T Fox for McGrath (60+1).
WATERFORD: S Barry; K Bennett, T Bourke, Shane Bennett (0-1); D O’Brien, S McNulty, K Power; T Devine (0-1), C Dunford; DJ Foran, A Gleeson (0-3, frees), M Harney; Stephen Bennett (0-5, 0-2 frees), B Phelan (0-2, 0-1 free), D Flynn. Subs: J Roche for Power (36 mins), R Donnelly for Flynn (40), M Kearney for Gleeson (51), J Walshe for Dunford (51), C Sheahan for O’Brien (54).
Referee: S Hourigan (Limerick).
Next-up
The second semi-final – between Limerick and Clare – is scheduled for tomorrow at Cusack Park, Ennis (7.30). The final will be played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on July 15th.
