February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
Tipperary 0-19, Waterford 1-13
Waterford, the surprise packet of this year’s hurling championship, came up against reigning champions Tipperary in this senior clash with a lot of pride at stake. It was to be an occasion where a win for either side would have lifted them to within a point of league-leading Limerick.
Tipperary, a team tipped for championship glory this season, were up against it from the first whistle. Waterford, out to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with, even had the audacity to take control of the game early on. Tipperary did climb back into the driver’s seat and amassed a three point advantage, thanks to efforts from veteran John Madden, Ray Duggan and Paul Hogan.
However, Waterford surged back with some fine play from Danny Sweeney and Dave Ryan which saw the Decies go into the halftime interval a point to the good.
Tipperary managed to go ahead once more after the break, with further efforts from Madden, Ray Duggan and Kevin Kennedy to lead by five points, and the game looked over as a contest.
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But never write off Waterford. With the minutes running out, Danny Sweeney hit a goal past Ian Duggan, and swiftly followed up with a point to bring Waterford back into contention, albeit a tad belatedly.
Tipperary held on though, and a final point from Ray Duggan gave the boys from Tipp the three point victory.
Tipperary: Ian Duggan, Donal Cummins, Jimmy Lyons, Alan Slattery, Mark Comerford (0-1), Declan O’Meara, John Slattery, Brian O’Meara (0-3), Paul Hogan (0-3), Mike Kennedy (0-1), Ray Duggan (0-4), Kevin Kennedy (0-1), John Madden (0-6). Sub: Tony O’Brien.
Waterford: Noel Kelly, Tom Bermingham, Tom Morrissey, Dave Ryan (0-3), Tomas Maher, Rory Hussey, Kevin Martin, Mike O’Shea, Cormac Murray (0-1), Fintan O’Shea (0-2), Danny Sweeney (1-4), Donncha Crotty (0-1), Kenneth Geary (0-2).