Tipp Hurlers Routed by Galway

National Hurling League Final:

Galway 3-21; Tipperary 0-14

In yesterday's National Hurling League Final, played at Páirc na nGael, Limerick, Galway inflicted a 16 point thrashing on Tipperary — the latter's heaviest league final defeat ever! While Tipp were favourites, shrewd observers of the game knew that victory could go either way given that Galway have been putting Tipperary to the pin of their collars for the past 30 years or so.

The fluid nature of hurling in the modern era can throw up surprising results. Getting the ball in hand is nine points of the law as long as you are able to use it advantageously when secured. When their confidence level has been boosted, Galway have the skills and striking ability to use the ball well. In yesterday's showdown, they monopolised the duels for possession and when Tipperary gardened ball, it was given away all too often through faulty passing — a fatal draw-back in the face of Galway's close marking and harassment.

The day when ground and air strikers reigned supreme has passed — which is a great pity because this was the true art of the game.