Dublin 1-16 Tipperary 1-15: Conal Keaney scored 14 points as Dublin recorded their first win of the new Allianz National Hurling League campaign over All-Ireland champions Tipperary at Croke Park on Saturday evening.
The Ballyboden St Enda’s man confirmed his value to Dublin hurling with a man-of-the-match performance that saw him point 11 frees and three stunning points from play.
For Tipp, it’s a second defeat of the campaign after they lost by seven points to beaten All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny last weekend.
Keaney got Dublin’s first three scores and brought them level on four points apiece with a beautiful effort from a tight angle after Pa Bourke and Michael Gleeson pushed Tipp into an early lead.
Dublin took control in the 15th minute when Declan O’Dwyer fielded brilliantly over the head of Paul Curran before smashing the sliotar into the net from close ranger. Tipp stayed in touch through John O’Neill (2), Brendan Maher and Bourke (2), but again Keaney, with help from Joey Boland, edged the Dubs in front again.
Another excellent effort from play for Keaney opened the lead to two points but O’Neill found the net, despite the attentions of a clutch of Dublin defenders, to send Tipp in front in the 27th minute.
Tipp indiscipline continued to hurt their cause, however, and a grateful Keaney pointed another before Liam Rushe restored the minimum lead. Keaney then traded poinst with Bourke as the teams went in at the break just one point apart.
Two 65s and a free from Keaney saw Dublin stretch their lead to four after the restart but Eoin Kelly’s introduction prompted a Tipp revival, first when he set up O’Meara for a score and then when he levelled the scores after Bourke closed the gap further.
A brief period misfiring from Keaney ended in the 57th minute when he exquisitely pointed after dummying his man 50 metres out. When Bourke levelled the scores again, the St Endas star duly obliged with what turned out to be the winning free in the 61st minute.