U20 Hurling & Football Results: Tipperary, Clare & Dublin Win | RTE
A late surge propelled Tipperary to a hard-fought 1-21 to 0-22 victory over Cork in the opening round of the Dalata Hotels Munster U20 Hurling Championship at FBD Semple Stadium on .
The game, witnessed by 2,669 fans, saw Stefan Tobin deliver a standout performance with six points from play, but it was a collective effort in the closing stages that secured the win for the All-Ireland champions. Cork, despite playing with 14 men for a significant portion of the second half following John Murphy’s red card, proved a resilient opponent.
Tipperary started brightly, reeling off the first six points, with Tobin immediately making his presence felt. Oisín O’Donoghue, who would later contribute crucial scores, showcased his ability to deliver long-ball outlets. Although, Cork quickly responded, led by the prolific Barry Walsh, who tallied 0-14 from 21 shots, including 13 successful frees. Walsh’s accuracy kept the Rebels within striking distance throughout the contest.
The first half saw a closely contested battle, with both sides trading scores. Fitzpatrick and Tobin added to Tipperary’s tally with well-taken points, but Walsh continued to punish Tipp’s indiscipline from the free-taking spot. The sending off of John Murphy just before halftime, for an off-the-ball incident involving Shane Cleary, shifted the momentum, but Cork refused to yield.
Cork emerged from the break strongly, capitalizing on their numerical advantage to build a six-point lead. Walsh continued his scoring spree, converting a series of frees. However, the introduction of substitutes and a tactical shift from Tipperary sparked a comeback. Jamie Ormond’s 42nd-minute goal, a result of a rebound after a shot from Fitzpatrick hit the post, ignited the Premier County’s attack.
The final quarter was a tense affair, with both teams trading points. Fitzpatrick, finishing with a personal tally of 0-11 (8 frees), proved instrumental in Tipperary’s resurgence, stringing together three consecutive points to level the score. Tobin then regained the lead for Tipp with a determined run and score.
The game remained on a knife-edge, with several lead changes in the dying minutes. Walsh missed a crucial free, and Barry O’Flynn leveled the score, setting up a dramatic finish. It was Cormac Fitzpatrick’s late free and Oisín O’Donoghue’s clinching point that sealed the victory for Tipperary.
Tipperary manager Brendan Cummins opted for a team featuring four players who tasted All-Ireland U20 success last year – Cathal O’Reilly, Adam Ryan, captain O’Donoghue, and David Costigan. Notably, O’Reilly, O’Donoghue, and Tobin have all gained valuable experience with the Tipperary senior team this spring.
The free count proved a significant factor in the game, with Cork drawing 22 frees compared to Tipperary’s 13. Barry Walsh’s exceptional free-taking ability was a key component of Cork’s challenge, converting 10 of their 13 scoreable frees.
While the victory secures a positive start to Tipperary’s Munster U20 Hurling Championship campaign, Cummins will likely be keen to address the high free concession rate. The team’s ability to respond to adversity, particularly after falling behind in the second half, demonstrated their character and resilience.
For Cork, despite the defeat, the performance showcased their potential. Walsh’s individual brilliance and their ability to compete effectively even with a player sent off will provide encouragement as they move forward in the championship.
Tipperary: P McCormack; C O’Reilly, E Morris, S Ryan; D Ryan, S Rowan, E Murray; T Ryan, S Cleary; A Ryan, S Tobin (0-06), D Costigan (0-01); J Ormond (1-00), O O’Donoghue (0-02), C Fitzpatrick (0-11, 8f). Subs: E Doughan (0-01) for A Ryan (h-t), P Ryan for S Ryan (44), J Hackett for Cleary (58), J Hayes for Costigan (60).
Cork: Ó Walsh; M Barrett, D O’Leary, D Heavin; MT Brosnan (0-01), D Fitzgerald, Ben Walsh; John Murphy (0-01), C Noonan; Z Biggane (0-02), Barry Walsh (0-14, 13f), Jack O’Brien; B O’Flynn (0-01), Johnnie Murphy (0-02), F O’Brien (0-01). Subs: C Garde for Ben Walsh (44), C O’Sullivan for Biggane (48), James O’Brien for Jack O’Brien (55), C Deane for Noonan (58).