Big guns fire Tipperary to victory

Tipperary 1-21 Clare 2-12:TIPPERARY had to call on all their experience to finally shake off a stubborn Clare challenge and claim the first Munster silverware of the year yesterday at O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge.

The introduction of Shane McGrath, Eoin Kelly and John O’Brien had the desired settling effect in the final quarter following a spirited second-half recovery from the home side.

Tipperary built up a five point half-time cushion but saw that advantage cut to just a point midway through the second half following Daire Keane’s solo goal.

However with the arrival of their All-Ireland winning trio, the Munster champions outscored the home side 0-6 to 0-1 in the run-in to cement victory.

Tipp settled quicker and hit the opening three points. Clare responded with Aaron Cunningham’s ninth minute goal, which was sandwiched by points from Caimin Morey and Colin Ryan, to establish a 1-2 to 0-3 lead.

An unanswered 1-5 including a Brian O’Meara goal in the 18th minute, wrestled back control for Tipp who led 1-12 to 1-07 at the interval. The 1,632 attendance were roused by Keane’s 52nd minute goal.

However, Tipperary’s experience – allied to 16 wides for Clare – ended Davy Fitzgerald’s bid for a third successive crown.

TIPPERARY: B Cummins; C O’Brien, J Coghlan, M Cahill; D Maher, C O’Mahony (0-3 two frees, one 65), S Maher; D Young, J Woodlock (0-5); G Ryan (0-2), N McGrath (0-4, 2f), A Ryan (0-1); T Hammersley (0-1), B O’Meara (1-0), J O’Neill (0-3). Subs: S McGrath for Ryan (49 mins), E Kelly (0-2) for Young (58), J O’Brien for O’Neill (59).

CLARE: D Tuohy; D O’Donovan, C Dillon, C Cooney; S Morey, J McInerney, E Barrett; N O’Connell (0-3, 3f), P Donnellan (0-3); C Morey (0-1), D Keane (1-1), F Lynch; A Cunningham (1-0), C Ryan (0-4, 4f), J Clancy (E Hayes 62 mins). Sub: J Conlon for Cunningham; E Hayes for Clancy (both 62)

Referee: D Kirwan (Cork).