Limerick 3-16
Tipperary 3-14

Fintan O’Toole reports from Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

LIMERICK’S U21 SIDE gave their county’s hurling fortunes a major boost with a rousing win over Tipperary in tonight’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21 semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds.

Despite being reduced to 14 men for the last quarter when centre-back Barry O’Connell received a second yellow card and seeing Tipperary draw level, Limerick ground out a victory that sets up a final against Clare on 30 July in Ennis.

Tipperary were also reduced to 14 men in the 61st minute when Michael Breen was shown a second yellow card.

Ultimately the Premier were left to rue a slow start as they went 12 points down by the 24th minute.

Colin Ryan celebrates scoring a late point. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Limerick goalkeeper David McCarthy received the man-of-the-match award after a couple of stunning saves with his first-half block to deny John McGrath from netting and then a crucial intervention late on to stop Ronan Maher from raising a Tipperary green flag.

Limerick had got off to an explosive start with Cian Lynch whipping a ground shot to the net with only 15 seconds on the clock after midfielder Pat Ryan burst through.

Both sides were guilty of poor early shooting thereafter but Limerick found their stride with wing-forward David Dempsey striking some quality points to send them 1-7 to 0-2 clear by the 21st minute.

Limerick's Kevin O'Brien battles for possession. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Then Limerick surged further ahead when Robbie Hanley crashed home their second goal in the 23rd minute after Dempsey turned provider.

Tipperary looked to be in serious trouble but senior football star Colin O’Riordan hauled them off the ropes as he banged home two goals in the closing five minutes of the first-half.

With Stephen Cahill and McGrath also finding their range, and allied to a towering defensive display by senior Michael Breen, Tipperary found themselves still in touch at the break as they trailed 2-9 to 2-4.

Tipperary quickly went about eating into that Limerick advantage early in the second-half. Substitutes Josh Keane and Jack Shelley chipped in with points along with efforts from Cahill and Breen.

Limerick's Michael Casey and Tipperary's John McGrath Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Limerick’s only response was a fourth point from Dempsey and they were thwarted in their efforts to hit the net in the 37th minute when Tipperary’s Paul Maher got down well to scoop away a low shot from Colin Ryan.

Then Limerick’s woes were compounded when O’Connell was dismissed and the momentum lay with Tipperary.

Limerick's Barry O'Connell is shown a red card. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

However backed by a vocal home support, Limerick dug in. They got a major break in striking home a third goal in the 45th minute as Morrissey bundled home a rebound after Dempsey’s initial strike was saved.

Tipperary responded with points from McGrath and Tomás Hamill before Morrissey sent Limerick 3-11 to 2-11 clear.

Then Tipperary corner-forward Tadhg Gallagher raced in from the wing to smash home their third goal and bring the Premier level.

Limerick’s prospects looked shaky but despite the handicap of operating with a man less, they finished the stronger.

The Tipperary team huddle before the game Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

McCarthy’s brilliant save was a significant moment while substitute Colin Ryan was outstanding as he hit 0-4 in the finale. Jack Kelliher also raised a white flag after being sprung from the bench.

Tipperary poured forward but Limerick’s defence held firm with Diarmaid Byrnes and Gearoid Hegarty making a couple of big plays while Pat Ryan’s midfield play was impressive throughout.

Scorers for Limerick: Tom Morrissey, Cian Lynch 1-1 each, David Dempsey, Colin Ryan (0-3f) 0-4 each, Robbie Hanley 1-0, Darragh O’Donovan, Ronan Lynch (0-1f, 0-1 ’65) 0-2 each, Pat Ryan, Jack Kelliher 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tipperary: Colin O’Riordan 2-0, John McGrath 0-6 (0-2f, 0-2’65), Tadhg Gallagher 1-0, Stephen Cahill 0-2, Michael Breen (0-1f), Barry Heffernan, Tomás Hamill, Bill Maher, Jack Shelley, Josh Keane (0-1f) 0-1 each.

Limerick goalkeeper David McCarthy celebrates his team hitting an early goal Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Limerick

1. David McCarthy (Glenroe)

2. Mark O Callaghan (Knockaderry)
3. Richie English (Doon)
4. Michael Casey (Na Piarsaigh)

5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell) (Captain)
6. Barry O’Connell (Kildimo/Pallaskenry)
7. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s)

8. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon)
9. Pat Ryan (Doon)

10. Robbie Hanley (Kilmallock)
11. Ronan Lynch (Na Piarsaigh)
12. David Dempsey (Na Piarsaigh)

13. Kevin O’Brien (Patrickswell)
14. Tom Morrissey (Ahane)
15. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell)

Subs
20. Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen) for Hanley (half-time)
17. Sean Finn (Bruff) for O’Callaghan (33)
22. Liam O’Sullivan (Knockaderry) for Ronan Lynch (38)
23. Jack Kelliher (Patrickswell) for O’Brien (56)
24. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell) for Pat Ryan (60)

Limerick's Darragh O'Donovan with Tipperary's Stephen Cahill Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Tipperary

1. Paul Maher (Moyne Templetuohy)

4. Tom Fox (Eire Óg Anacarty)
3. Michael Breen (Ballina)
2. Jack Peters (Kilruane MacDonaghs)

5. Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)
6. Barry Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg)
7. Tomás Hamill (Moyne Templetuohy)

8. Bill Maher (Kilsheelan Kilcash)
9. Stephen Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields)

10. Billy McCarthy (Thurles Sarsfields)
12. Willie Connors (Kildangan)
14. Colin O’Riordan (JK Brackens)

15. John McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)
11. Paul Shanahan (Upperchurch Drombane)
13. Tadhg Gallagher (Kildangan)

Subs
19. Josh Keane (Golden-Kilfeacle) for Connors (22)
17. Jack Shelly (Mullinahone) for Shanahan (half-time)
18. Andrew Coffey (Nenagh Éire Óg) for McCarthy (50)
24. Paul Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash) for Gallagher (55)

Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork)

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