Commercials Edge Out Rovers

County Tipperary SFC Final:

Clonmel Commercials 1-12; Moyle Rovers 3-5

Yesterday's Tipperary Senior Football final, played at Semple Stadium, Thurles involved two clubs from the South Tipperary GAA division. This situation is not unusual as South Tipperary has been the mainstay of football in the county for the past 100 years. On this occasion the final involved next-door neighbours Clonmel Commercials and Moyle-Rovers (Powerstown-Lisronagh). It was the first time that two South Tipp teams played a final in Thurles. I believe it was a correct decision to play the game at the renowned venue at the centre of the county where the true followers of football would get a fair chance to witness the game.

The game itself produced a fine standard of football with good young players on both sides, some having won All-Ireland and Munster medals. Two goals by corner forward, Diarmuid Foley, in the first half, kept Moyle Rovers ahead for a long period; an opportunist goal in the early stages of the second-half giving them a six point lead. For the last twenty minutes or so, Commercials got on top, picking off points, and a goal as well, enabling them to hold on for a one point win. Best of luck to Commercials in the Munster club competition.

While the senior championship concluded at a reasonable date this year, it still involves the playing of too many games of low intensity which contributes to a lowering of standard. I feel the same about all other competitions in the county. It is sad to have a situation where all minor grades, in hurling and football, are entering the concluding stages at this time of the year. It is very wrong that such an important competition as the under-21-hurling championship has a starting date in October every year.