Defeat for Tipp Under-21 Hurlers

Munster U-21 Hurling Semi-Final:

Clare 5-19; Tipperary 1-25 (AET)

This game, played at Cusack Park in Ennis yesterday evening and won by Clare in extra time, was one that Tipperary should have won in the regular 60-plus minutes. Throughout the field, I felt that Tipperary had the advantage in most positions. The main factor in Clare's win was the presence on their team of a number of players who had won All-Ireland Senior Hurling honours last year as well as an Under-21 victory. Tipperary contributed to their own defeat with some costly errors—mixed in with some great skill and heart in most positions. Tipperary's defending of their goal was faulty.This has been a problem with Tipperary teams for many years. The tackling of opposing players was lamentable at times. It was dreadful to see an arm or hurley wrapped around an opponent's neck or any other part of their bodies. This has also been a problem with Tipperary teams for many a day. Some easy frees were missed. It has been evident to me for a long time that there is a lack of proper training in the basics of the game for juvenile players in Tipperary.