Solid defence the key to Tipperary's triumph

Brendan Cummins and the solid full-back line proved the rocks on which Waterford’s title hopes foundered

THE ADAGES about goals winning matches and thin lines between winning and losing were demonstrated in the manner of Tipperary’s hard-fought win over Waterford in the Munster final but, for me, this was a victory built very much on hugely impressive performances from the Tipperary full-back line and the goalkeeper.

It seems an age since Brendan Cummins first played for Tipp back in 1995/96 and, if there are those who believe hurling is very much a young man’s game, then the Tipp goalkeeper’s performance here – and that of Waterford’s Tony Browne – gave a lie to such a belief. Cummins had a fine game, with four or five critical saves, and really that was the difference between the two sides in the end.

The Tipperary full-back line also gave the ideal answer to the question marks placed over their form: all three of them had fantastic games. Conor O’Brien, who blocked and cleared very effectively, and Paul Curran wrapped up the Waterford attackers but the real catalyst for Tipperary’s win was corner-back Michael Cahill who had one of the toughest jobs in the game in marking John Mullane. Cahill added another dimension to his game with storming bursts out of defence which included scoring a timely point that was key to Tipp finishing the job.

This was a tough match. Conditions weren’t great and Waterford really put it up to Tipperary for long spells. Such games invariably come down to slim margins and, with 10 or 12 minutes to go, Waterford had a couple of goal-scoring chances – when Cummins and the Tipp full-back line proved their worth. But Waterford also missed some chances to score points, with Maurice Shanahan crucially missing a couple of frees and Kevin Moran’s shot coming back off the post. Small things, all of which add to the bigger picture.

Tipperary were put to the pin of their collar to win this one. It will stand to them far more than last year’s facile win. Although the graph coming into the final had been of improvement from game to game, from the way they beat Limerick and then dug out a win with 14 men against Cork, I don’t think this performance marked further progress.

Lar Corbett obviously didn’t impact as much on this game as he did a year ago. He showed a lot of rustiness and was too inclined to handpass on to other players when he should have been taking scores himself.

Tipperary tended to overcomplicate matters in attack. Their half-forward line was under pressure throughout the game and Moran, Brick Walsh and Browne all had great games for Waterford.

There might have been some surprise that Pa Bourke was hauled ashore before half-time. Something had to be done, and he was the one to be sacrificed. There were a couple of other potential candidates.

The manner in which the Tipp half-forward line struggled to win ball is an ongoing concern. However, the quality and impact of Tipperary’s subs – most notably Shane Bourke and Eoin Kelly – were better than Waterford’s substitutions.

John O’Brien was by far the best Tipperary forward and would have rivalled either Cahill or Cummins for man of the match. He was the go-to forward, his goal was well taken and his overall play couldn’t be faulted.

In the second half, Tipperary’s midfield pairing of Brendan Maher and Shane McGrath improved and got on top. But it was the Tipperary defence, and especially the full-back line, that laid the foundations for the win. When under siege late on, time and time again one of them came out with possession.

The slim margins between winning and losing was emphasised by the manner of Tipp’s second goal when Bourke pounced to fire home. If that was at the other end, you’d have had total confidence in Cummins clearing his lines.

The one question that followed Tipperary around last year – and probably incorrectly – was about their resolve. But they’ve shown resolve in every game this year and won tough matches against Limerick, Cork and now Waterford. Although the half-forward line was under pressure, the defence dug deep.

They’re now in to an All-Ireland semi-final and I’m sure they left Thurles yesterday very grounded and under no illusions about what is ahead of them. Tipp will be hard to beat and have a lot of good players.

Waterford played well. Moran and Browne were outstanding and Mullane started impressively, but they probably lost their way in the forward line. Séamus Prendergast did well but didn’t score that easily and Maurice Shanahan’s free-taking style was too unreliable.

They will now move on to the All-Ireland quarter-finals and play without fear and they will be dangerous opponents for anyone. The draw will be interesting.

Cork’s win over Wexford went along expected lines really. It was the other qualifier on Saturday night that was probably the match of the weekend, a game of high intensity and Limerick showed in the win over Clare that they are improving.

Clare have a lot of good hurlers but are a little behind Limerick in their development, with more younger players. Limerick could be the dark horses in the championship yet.

This is a real championship now. Whereas just over a week ago people were saying it was Kilkenny’s for the taking, all six teams left will think they have a chance.