Both sides take positives from 'epic encounter'

Under-21 Hurling All-Ireland Final: After one of the great spectacles of hurling in Croke Park this year there was further satisfaction in the aftermath in the form of two sporting and highly gracious managers.

There wasn't a trace of a complaint or an excuse or the word referee from Tipp's Fr Tom Fogarty or Kilkenny's Adrian Finan.

For Fogarty, Tipperary's so-near-and-yet-so-far performance was nonetheless satisfying: "We came up here as rank outsiders," he said. "But we had a panel of honest players, with a great work ethic in the team. When we set out this year to pick an under-21 panel we reflected a little on the glory years of Tipperary back in the 40s and 50s and 60s and early 70s.

"We asked the question what made them successful. We had great players, like Mick Roche, Theo English, Jimmy Doyle. But they weren't just good hurlers. They had a tremendous work ethic as well, and that's something we had to rediscover in Tipperary.

"We have to play with that same commitment, passion, and ferocious intensity. And it was that sort of performance, a never-say-die attitude amongst the players. Whenever it looked like Kilkenny were pulling away we pulled back. . . It's been a while since, I'd suggest, any Tipperary team played with such heart and conviction."

Still, Richie Hogan's must have sunk Fogarty's heart? "I can't complain about that late goal. I suppose if we'd been lucky enough to clear that ball that would have been it. But it was a great goal, worthy of any All-Ireland. We got three ahead, but I think we needed one more. But it was really an epic encounter.

"Sure, some of the lads are disappointed. But, as I said to them in there, that's a test of their character. You have to lift yourself, come back again. . . If we were a goal down and got that goal in the end we'd be delighted."

Finan was proud of his team's late rally. "Thanks be to God the people that really mattered didn't think it was gone. They kept playing, believing there was always a chance, and showed great heart and courage to keep going. That's all that matters.

"Maybe when their goalkeeper was making all those fantastic saves you begin to wonder is it our day. But we're proud of the last 10 minutes. Tipperary were very hungry though and were never going to give us an edge. There were two fine hurling teams out there, and I think the best one will come out on the top the next day. Hopefully that will be us."