Famous Tipperary Win

Munster SFC Semi-Final

Tipperary 3-15; Cork 2-16

Yesterday, at Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary achieved their first senior football championship win over Cork since 1944 which brought joy to the hearts of every true Tipperary supporter.

Depleted by the loss of key players — particularly Colin O'Riordan, Seamus Kennedy and Stephen O'Brien who would rank with the best in the land — the Tipperary team was given little hope against a Cork side anxious to atone for recent disappointments.

Availing of poor Cork defending, Tipperary built up a nine point lead. When Cork got back on level terms, thanks to a ricochet goal, things were looking ominous. To their credit, Tipperary got the vital points from a forty-five and a free by Kevin O'Halloran who represents a club which had no adult Gaelic Football team last year.

Reverting back to 1944, Tipperary beat Waterford by 1-10 to 0-5 in the first round of the Munster championship. They then surprised Cork in the semi-final by beating them by 1-9 to 1-3. Tipperary had a well-trained team which included a number of players serving with the Irish Army at Templemore and Clonmel barracks. The Munster final, played in atrocious weather conditions at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick, was won by Kerry 1-6 to 0-5. Due to the great mid-field displays of 18-year-old Mick Cahill and Bunny Lamb, the Tipperary forwards enjoyed a lot of possession but their shooting was off target on the day.

There have many near misses against the big guns down the years with the notable exception of the glorious All-Ireland Minor victory in 2011. Let us hope that the time is near for the seniors to reach the holy grail.