Trio of Triumphs for Tipp

A very good week-end for Tipperary G.A.A. teams:

All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers:

Tipperary 1-13; Wexford 0-15

On Saturday, the senior footballers displayed determination, courage and skill to see off the challenge of Wexford. A further display of these characteristics and more confidence will thwart the new found ambitions of Antrim at Semple Stadium next Saturday. The best of luck in that game.

Munster MHC Final:

Tipperary 1-16; Clare 1-12

On Sunday the minor hurlers regained the Munster championship after a lapse of five years. Extra pleasing was the fact that Bill Maher became the first player from the Kilsheelan-Kilcash club to captain a championship-winning Tipperary hurling team. I may be wrong, but as far as I am aware, the only other occasions when players from the South division captained Munster and All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurling teams were in 1996 when the present minor hurling manager, William Maher of Ballingarry, achieved the honours; and going back to 1953 when that fine forward, the late Tommy Foran of Carrick-on-Suir Davins, led the junior team to victory. The best of luck in the next game.

Familiarity breeds contempt. I omitted mentioning Mullinahone's Eoin Kelly—one of the greatest players of his generation—who captained the senior hurlers on their great victory in 2010—Sorry.

Munster SHC Final:

Tipperary 3-19; Waterford 1-18

Congratulations to the senior hurlers on retaining the Munster crown. It was a tough physical battle.

The positives:

• The determination shown by the players in their efforts to gain possession and in preventing their opponents from using the ball when possession was lost.
• The good showing of the two corners of defence despite a somewhat shaky start, and also the centre
• The physical presence and skill of Brian O'Meara and Patrick (Bonnar)Maher in the forward line is a great addition to the team's armory.
• The non-concession of too many frees—most of those conceded were accidental. Many frees are being awarded to players at present in hurling, and gaelic football, where no contact has been made on the player receiving them.
• The return of Eoin Kelly to near his past form is a huge plus.

The negatives:

• Too much hand passing in an effort to score a goal when points are there for the taking. A player's instinct will let him know when a goal is on.
• Eliminate wayward passing.
• More ground hurling to open up play for the forwards, all of whom are capable of scoring.

The best of luck at the next outing which I believe will be at Beechers Brook.