Accurate Tipperary hit new heights

Tipperary's success-starved footballers attained new heights at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick yesterday. To kick only one wide from 20 shots at the Clare posts in a rousing performance was commendable. It results in a fourth Munster senior football championship final appearance.

Given the regular wayward shooting in modern day football, it is unlikely that Tipperary's accuracy levels will be equalled by those aspiring to championship glory between now and September.

That one wide was the fault of Brendan Cummins from a tricky free in the first half but Tipperary's guile, speed and awareness playing into the wind in the second half ensured that Cummins' only mistake was never going to be a cause for regret.

Clare were at their best in terms of contesting and winning possession during the opening 15minutes. They were left groping for answers playing with the wind in the second half.

Playing against the wind, Clare's early drive suggested two things; wind assistance in the short-passing game is not a significant advantage, and Tipperary were in serious danger of being routed.

The play flowed ominously towards the Tipperary posts. Johnny Enight and Michael Hynes were stretching their markers and the Tipperary supporters in the 8,378 crowd were alarmed at the inadequacy of their team's defence.

It seemed that only wing-back Bernard Hahessy could be spared criticism during that arduous period. It also seemed that the floodgates would open. They didn't and that was where Clare's troubles began.

They could not match their general ability with scores. Meanwhile for Tipperary, Derry Foley in midfield Mark Sheehan at centre back, the effective Hahessy, Brendan Cummins who started on the wing, Declan Browne and Peter Lambert in the corner attacking positions and Michael Spillane were beginning to warm up to what eventually proved a conclusive team performance.

The first half ended on a controversial note but Declan Browne, always the target man for his dominant Moyle Rovers club mate Derry Foley, was justifiably credited with the lead point after Cork referee Niall Barrett consulted his umpires.

Tipperary led by 0-8 to 0-7 at halftime and they planned cleverly for a close-passing game against the wind in the second half.

But the real surprise that Tipperary had in store for Clare came James Williams. He stormed onto the scene by blasting over the bar inside 50 seconds of the resumption.

Four minutes later Tipperary were leading by 0-12 to 0-7 and they began to play like a team that could do no wrong.

To their credit Clare did not succumb easily; half backs Barry Keating Brendan Rouine and Donal O'Sullivan regained composure. An off-form Martin Daly had two pointed frees and Paul Hehir was proving a wise and accurate substitute.

Hehir booted a superb point with his first touch and added a fine point from a 45 to narrow the gap to three points, 0-14 to 0-11, with 13 minutes remaining.

Three minutes later, however, Tipperary clinched it with a goal from the penalty spot, by Declan Browne.

Francis McInerney's introduction at that stage was never going to make the slightest difference. Tipperary were on a roll and Clare lapses in concentration became blatant.

Derry Foley was left unmarked when placed, off a free, by the astute Brendan Cummins to kick Tipperary's 15th point. Even Paul Hehir was a culprit when he carelessly passed to Tipperary left back Liam Cronin instead of Martin Daly.

The Tipperary defence, after that shaky start, can claim full marks with Conor O'Dwyer Liam Cronin and Sean Collum having improved by the minute.

Sean Maher's attempts to get on track in midfield were never less than honest. He finished up a worthy midfield partner for Derry Foley .

The reshuffled attacking formation (reading from the right) of half forwards James Williams Brian Burke and Brendan Cummins and full forwards Peter Lambert Declan Brown and Michael Spillane was too clever and hugely effective for the disheartened Clare defence.