It’s Division 1 hurling league final day in Nowlan Park as Kilkenny face Tipperary.
We’re going to follow it all the way.
Send us your thoughts and comments on all the action.
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RESULT: Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 0-20
Hello and welcome to this afternoon’s GAA action as Nowlan Park is the stage for Kilkenny and Tipperary going toe to toe in a national hurling final. There’s nothing unusual about this pairing contesting marquee deciders and we’re hopeful of getting another cracking encounter today.
Neither side has been afraid to shake things up after their league semi-final victories. Tipperary thumped Dublin but still make five alterations from that game.
The two most eye-catching inclusions are Darren Gleeson getting the nod to start in goal and 26 year-old Kieran Bergin making his inter county debut at wing-back. Killenaule player Bergin has been based in New York and San Francisco in recent years and was actually a member of the Tipperary football squad earlier this season.
Paul Curran, Conor O’Brien and Eoin Kelly all come back into the team as well with the injured Paddy Stapleton, Brendan Cummins, Jason Forde, Pa Bourke and Donagh Maher are the players to lose out.
TIPPERARY: Darren Gleeson (Portroe); Michael Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields), Conor O’Mahony (Newport), Paul Curran (Mullinahone); Kieran Bergin (Killenaule), Pádraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Conor O’Brien (Eiré Og Anacarty Donohill); Brendan Maher (Borrisoleigh); Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch); Seamus Callanan (Drom and Inch), Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields), Patrick Maher (Lorrha-Dorrha); Shane Bourke (JK Brackens), Eoin Kelly (Mullinahone) Noel McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney).
Kilkenny have Richie Power and Walter Walsh unavailable to them due to rib and elbow injuries respectively. Their absence means Michael Fennelly comes into midfield, while Cillian Buckley also starts. In addition, Michael Rice moves from midfield to centre forward.
KILKENNY: Eoin Murphy (Glenmore); Paul Murphy (Danesfort), JJ Delaney (Fenians), Jackie Tyrrell (James Stephens); Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan), Brian Hogan (O’Loughlin Gaels), Kieran Joyce (Rower-Inistioge); Lester Ryan (Clara), Michael Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks); Cillian Buckley (Dicksboro), Michael Rice (Carrickshock,) Eoin Larkin (James Stephens); Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Richie Hogan (Danesfort), Aidan Fogarty (Emeralds).
The injured Kilkenny trio during their league semi-final win over Galway. Michael Fennelly on the left is back as is Cillian Buckley on the right. The lad in the middle is still out for a while but he’ll be useful come the summer.
Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
It’s all over in the curtain-raiser today in Nowlan Park with Cork after defeating Wexford in the Division 1 camogie league final by 0-12 to 1-7. We’ll have a report of that game shortly.
Here’s a catch up on what happened in the world of GAA yesterday.
- Galway were crowned Cadbury’s All-Ireland U21 football champions with a 1-14 to 1-11 win last night against Cork in the Gaelic Grounds.
- There was minor championship action in Munster and Leinster while the Christy Ring Cup also began.
- And there was Ladies GAA action yesterday as well with league finals down for decision.
There’s a huge crowd gathered for this match and they’ll be hoping for a repeat of some of the brilliant league finals that his pair have served up in the past. In 2003 there were ten goals scored as Kilkenny triumphed by 5-14 to 5-13 in Croke Park while it took extra-time before the Cats won by 2-26 to 4-17 in 2009 in Thurles.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Tipperary midfield fare today and here’s the views of captain Shane McGrath and vice-captain Brendan Maher who will operate in that sector.
Will Tipperary boss Eamon O’Shea claim his first piece of silverware as manager today? Or will the Cats reign supreme and retain the title they won last year against Cork? We’re moments away from throw-in.
Kilkenny 0-1 Tipperary 0-0: 1 mins – First blood to Kilkenny with Lester Ryan firing over a point from an attack from the throw-in. He’s been excellent throughout this campaign for the Cats.
Whirlwind start by the Cats with Fennelly firing to the net after a trademark surging run through the heart of the Tipperary defence. Prior to that Eoin Larkin had tapped over a free after Cillian Buckley had been fouled. The home support are in full voice in Nowlan Park.
Kilkenny 1-2 Tipperary 0-2: 7 mins – Vital point for Tipperary to settle their challenge as Eoin Kelly converts a free after Patrick Bonner Maher was fouled and then Brendan Maher swings over a great score from play.
Kilkenny 1-3 Tipperary 0-3: 8 mins – The two players that were brought into the Kilkenny team for today’s game – Cillian Buckley and Michael Fennelly – combine brilliantly for a move that culminates with a fine point by Fennelly. But Tipperary bounce back straight away with a neat point by Brendan Maher who has shone in the early stages.
Kilkenny 1-3 Tipperary 0-4: 13 mins – Sublime point by Noel McGrath after a beautiful hand pass by Lar Corbett under pressure.
Frantic opening pace to the game but it has settled down now with Kilkenny still two points ahead after 17 minutes.
Kilkenny 2-3 Tipperary 0-5: 21 mins – Seamus Callanan smashes over a long-range free for Tipperary but then Michael Fennelly hits back with another goal for Kilkenny!
Tipperary won’t be happy with their defending for that second Fennelly goal as his shot from the left flew past Darren Gleeson to the net.
Kilkenny 2-3 Tipperary 0-6: 24 mins – Brendan Maher is leading the scoring charge for Tipperary as he bangs over his third point of the game, the latest score from distance as he seized on a misplaced pass by Kilkenny defender Paul Murphy.
Kilkenny 2-3 Tipperary 0-7: 26 mins – Great footwork by Eoin Kelly to engineer space for himself on the left wing and loft over a point for Tipperary. That move was kickstarted by a sublime hand pass by Brendan Maher.
Kilkenny’s shooting has not been the sharpest in the first-half with Colin Fennelly just after striking wide from a favourable position.
Great goal chance for Tipperary but Patrick Bonner Maher completely mishit his shot in front of goal and Kilkenny were able to clear to safety.
Kilkenny 2-4 Tipperary 0-9: 32 mins – The gap is down to the minimum thanks to a converted free by Eoin Kelly for Tipperary.
Kilkenny 2-5 Tipperary 0-10: 33 mins – The teams were briefly level when Noel McGrath raised a white flag for Tipperary but Colin Fennelly has cancelled it with a point for Kilkenny.
Kilkenny 2-6 Tipperary 0-11: 34 mins – We’re level again thanks to a monster converted free by Tipperary goalkeeper Darren Gleeson. But then Lester Ryan restores Kilkenny’s advantage as he splits the posts.
Kilkenny 2-7 Tipperary 0-11: 36 mins – It’s been the Michael Fennelly show in this first half as the Kilkenny player gets on the end of a well-worked team move to fire the ball over the bar.
HALF-TIME: Kilkenny 2-7 Tipperary 0-11: That’s how it stands at the break with Kilkenny enjoying a two-point advantage on home soil in Nowlan Park.
Kilkenny’s Michael Fennelly scores the opening goal of the game.
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Here are the scorers from the first-half of today’s game.
Kilkenny: Michael Fennelly 2-3, Lester Ryan 0-2, Eoin Larkin (0-1f), Colin Fennelly 0-1 each.
Tipperary: Eoin Kelly 0-4 (0-3f), Brendan Maher 0-3, Noel McGrath 0-2, Seamus Callanan, Darren Gleeson 0-1 (0-1f) each.
Here’s evidence of the huge crowd in Nowlan Park today.
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Kilkenny 2-8 Tipperary 0-11: 36 mins – Early score for Kilkenny as Eoin Larkin converts a ’65.
Kilkenny 2-9 Tipperary 0-12: 37 mins – Tipperary respond quickly with Eoin Kelly effortlessly firing over a free but then Kieran Joyce points for Kilkenny.
Kilkenny 2-9 Tipperary 0-14: 39 mins – The gap is down to one again after Shane Bourke hits his first point of the game for Tipperary and then Noel McGrath tacks on another point.
The atmosphere is electric in a packed Nowlan Park. Vindicates the decision to play the game at a smaller venue.
Kilkenny 2-10 Tipperary 0-14: 42 mins – Good point from a free by Eoin Larkin to restore Kilkenny’s two-point advantage.
Both players grappled on the ground with Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy also getting involved before Barry Kelly opted to dismiss JJ and Lar. The pair will now miss their counties first championship ties this summer. It’s getting heated now in Nowlan Park.
Kilkenny 2-10 Tipperary 0-15: 48 mins – Seamus Callanan has taken over the freetaking duties now for Tipperary with Eoin Kelly having been taken off and he’s despatched the ball between the posts to cut the gap to one.
Kilkenny 2-10 Tipperary 0-16: 50 mins – And now the teams are level in Nowlan Park with Brendan Maher shooting over his fourth point of the match for Tipperary.
Kilkenny 2-11 Tipperary 0-16: 52 mins - First score of the day for Richie Hogan for Kilkenny. He’s been quiet up until now but that’s an important contribution to nudge Kilkenny into the lead.
Kilkenny 2-12 Tipperary 0-16: 55 mins – Eoin Larkin pushes Kilkenny back ahead by two points as he converts a free.
Kilkenny’s Aidan Fogarty and Shane McGrath of Tipperary
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Kilkenny 2-13 Tipperary 0-17: 58 mins – Tipperary’s John O’Brien and Kilkenny’s Cillian Buckley swap points.
Kilkenn 2-14 Tipperary 0-18: 62 mins – Larkin snaps over a free to push Kilkenny three ahead but Padraic Maher ensures Tipperary respond quickly. Matthew Ruth replaces Aidan Fogarty on the Kilkenny team.
Kilkenny 2-15 Tipperary 0-19: 64 mins – Another Larkin free for Kilkenny and that is replied with a pointed free for Pa Bourke for Tipperary.
Kilkenny 2-16 Tipperary 0-19: 67 mins – Fantastic point for Kilkenny from Lester Ryan as they move three points ahead.
Kilkenny 2-16 Tipperary 0-20: 68 mins – Back to a two point game as Pa Bourke rifles over a free for Tipperary with Jackie Tyrrell booked for Kilkenny.
Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 0-20: 70 mins – Brilliant point for Kilkenny by Michael Rice to stretch their advantage to three.
FULL-TIME: Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 0-20: Kilkenny defend their title successfully in front of their home fans in Nowlan Park.
That’s Kilkenny’s 16th National Hurling League title and their seventh crown in the last twelve years.
Good day for the Fennelly clan from Ballyhale as Michael wins the man-of-the-match award and Colin captains the team to glory.
We’ve reverted to playing long ball football – what else is there to say. No other team in Europe plays with these tactics.
the problem we have is that we have a old fashioned manager, similar to Trap, who hasn’t embraced modern football tactics yet and still believes in 4-4-2, one big striker one small striker, style of play. He’s played like this at nearly every club he’s been at…Carew/Agbonlahor at Villa, Sutton/Larsson at Celtic, etc…
Doesn’t matter if he had 4 Xavi’s in our team….we’d still be playing long balls
Don’t think you can compare O’Neill to Trap. I don’t think he’s old fashioned either or tactically unaware. I just think he got the tactics very wrong.
Or else the players got it wrong.
McGeady and Hoolahan and Keogh kept the ball on the deck.
They were hardly told to keep it on the deck while the rest hoofed it. Brady tried to keep it on the deck but just played badly. Midfielders didn’t want it it seemed. And when they did get it they ran into trouble or else just passed it back to Randolph for a big hoof ball
How about we’re not very good?.
Did he used to play a 3-5-2 at Celtic!
A team that’s not very good wouldn’t beat the world champions,our players aren’t being utilised properly,Coleman and Brady should be used further up the pitch just like Alaba is for Austria.Biggest problem is not playing players that can hang onto the ball,although none of the following were deemed fit for the Poland game,Gibson,Arter,Hoolahan and Stephen Quinn can all hang onto the ball and play it around but O’neill for whatever reason is still persisting with Whelan and Hendrick who have very little composure on the ball,McCarthy strengths lie with his holding rather than his passing so let him sit behind better ball players.
@Fiach
Wasn’t the biggest fan of Trap either when he coached the Boys In green but O’Neill could coach for the next hundred years and he still wouldn’t achieve half of what Trap has achieved in his career! True, his time was over when he came to Ireland but he still qualified for a big tournament with a squad that wasn’t any better than O’Neill’s squad is! The main problem is that we don’t have good enough players anymore. Plain and simple!
@Nick
Nonsense! In modern football any team can beat any team on their day!
Greece won the bleeding cup and they were NOT a very good team!
Not saying we have a terrible team either but we just don’t have the consistency and the players at the moment!
The Germany match was great but also a bit lucky. And the Poland match was an overall horrible performance , no creativity, not-the right tactics no nothing!
Still hopeful for the playoffs , though, all of them are doable.
What u on about nonsense?im saying that it’s unfair to say we’r not very good which is a fair statement having beaten the world champions,on our day or not.
@Nick
We can agree that we were very good against the Germans but it doesn’t make us a very good team overall!
We are a mediocre team with mediocre players but capable on the day!
Well we’r certainly not a bad team.We’v consistently put away the lesser teams the past few campaigns and haven’t really lost to anyone we shouldn’t have lost to.Inconsistent,bland and unfulfilling YES but bad?certainly not.
We were mediocre against a German side who were/are not performing anywhere near their full potential but yet were still miles better than Ireland, the result and subsequent hysteria that followed masked yet another poor performance from a mediocre outfit.
@Matt Trap got us to the Euros through a playoff. O’Neill may very well soon do the same. And he hasn’t banished any players to the wilderness in the process.
And I guarantee, if we do make it, we won’t concede 9 goals in three games
I truly believe..that Glenn Whelan has such a negative effect on James McCarthy when he plays beside him!!! Anytime Jimmy Mac has played without Whelan, he has looked at different player!! Including last Thursday night.
Glenn Whelan, along with some others to be fair, performance at the Euro Finals 2012 was pathetic..why would next year be any different? Time to ditch him..no more excuses
Nigel spot on, I think they both have a negative effect on each other though,both are holding midfielders who should be playing at the base of midfield beside a passer rather than in a pair.Whelans passing is atrocious but he breaks up the play well,I do think mccarthy plays the role better as he demonstrated against the Germans,He certainly didn’t miss Whelan I’m that game.
Definitely agree Nick. McCarthys positioning in cutting out passes,crosses and closing German space down was top notch last Thursday night.
Hendrick had the legs,beside him, to get up and down and round the pitch and then Wes ,just ahead of them was the link and play maker when he could get on the ball. Now theres a far better balanced midfield triangle….having Whelan in there adds nothing and ruins that balance!!
What annoys me is the way the media/people say the players must be under instruction to lump it long, that’s rubbish, Why then for instance when Wes and McGeady come on do they look for shorter balls to feet – because they have to skill and attitude to control it in tight situations and not lose the ball. Why does McCarthy not have the confidence or ability to that? Strange
Well said. McGeady will always have a go at beating a man. Often too many times. Hendrick, McCarthy and Whelan didn’t seem to want the ball. Certainly didn’t demand it
We are 3rd highest team in term of long balls played in the qualifiers. that says it all.
Just bad management! Plain and simple. Afraid to play. It was an ending to the group like the 6 nations ended. Should have played the kitchen sink up front
We had nothing to lose. We were more then likely going to concede so 2 goals was probably going to be a must.
Usual negative tactics, afraid to open up. Poland showed their hand in the 2nd half in Dublin, once you go at them they panic albeit they are probably a better side, at that they just about managed to beat us at home ala similar to Scotland away. Should have gone hell for leather. We have the wrong O’Neil at the helm.
Lack of quality players
Look at our Northern neighbours top of the group with a bunch of very average players playing decent football ,we can’t get the basic stuff like retaining possession or passing or creating goal scoring opportunities ,we had one chance against the Germans one or two against Poland ,The manager is useless and should be sacked after the play off regardless of the outcome along with the instigator of all this John Delaney who selected all these negative washed up unwanted managers ,I’d be keeping Brendan Rodgers on speed dial the guy is good at getting the most out of average players ,just ask Swansea .
Whelans best position is on the couch at home watching the tv, I’m sure he is more productive there. Useless is too nice a word to describe his footballing skills
We were s*it really and got lucky playing Germany and winning that game . Ah well at least the rugby team are great .
Alot of people in ireland in denial by the thumbs down i got .
Whelan and McCarthy are real problems. Whelan just fills space, McCarthy who is supposed to link the play never wants the ball which means the defence has no option but to go long . As for leaving Hoolahan out in a must win game and moving Brady to left back is just plain negative. With that team out in the playoffs any team has a chance against us
Hoolahan told manager he wasn’t fit to start
last week o’neill was the best thing since sliced bread. one loss later and he is negative in his approach and playing the wrong tactics according to the armchair pundits and the commenters here. the fact is he is probably getting the best out of what is a very poor pool of players. face up to the fact that we are very limited and pick a team to support in the euros next year coz we wont and dont deserve to qualify.
The responsibility lies solely with O’Neill and Keane, defunct tactics and a total lack of confidence in the team. O’Neill comes out in press conferences and says ‘we need to be more daring’ and ‘more creative’ and goes and picks defensive players and then claims we can’t play football, pull the other one. The Euro’s will be another white-wash if we get there and I can’t watch anymore of this type of football so for our own good and the good of our game it would be best not to qualify, rebuild and get rid of management team. Either that or go to Euro’s everybody gets pissed, have a sing-song and get beat in every game.
We should be bringing players like Harry Arter, Stephen Quinn, Anthony pilkington more into the squad. also we should give cillian Sheridan
a call as well as Adam Rooney. Him and long upfront or Murphy would be better options. Keane is way past it as well as Whelan. Hopefully Clarke is back from injury.
Don’t know if you heard but we beat the world champions last week.
robert preston. a man who speaks the truth. a few more like him round here would be refreshing.
We have an obsession with the team not passing enough in midfield.
This discussion barely mentioned our supposed man of the match Seamus Coleman who made one run to the opposition byline in the whole 90 minutes. This figure needs to be at least five every game.
He got motm for keeping grosnicki quiet who looked useless anyway and for making a good covering tackle on lewy.
We have to get more attacking from Coleman. It will give us variety & goals.
This obsession with playing keep ball in the middle is BS. Krychowiak would have eaten all our midfielders alive. He handles busquets & Kroos in his club career. A few lads playing for Derby & Norwich won’t worry him.