ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION ONE Kilkenny 1-17 Tipperary 1-10:THE KILKENNY contention that last year is irrelevant was backed up in one sense, as they chalked up victory over their fiercest rivals on the clean slate of 2011.
But there was equally no disputing the determination and commitment to put one over on the county that last autumn deposed them as All-Ireland champions.
For a second year the weather was unkind to the grand opening of the Allianz Hurling League and he persistent rain reduced even the legendarily resistant Semple Stadium sward to a glue pot.
In the circumstances a crowd of 9,495 wasn’t too bad but it lent little atmosphere to the evening, as the teams, both short of several big names, battled with the unpleasant prevailing conditions.
It was Declan Ryan’s first serious match in charge of Tipperary and he will already know the Kilkenny challenge is likely to be as formidable as ever this year.
In a match of three thirds, Tipp started in sprightly fashion but from the moment in the 23rd minute that Aidan Fogarty cut the first inroad into the five-point deficit of 0-4 to 1-6, Kilkenny outscored their rivals by 1-12 to 0-4.
The early stages had featured an encouraging display from Pa Bourke, who has so far struggled to express his talent on the senior stage. His darting runs and clever stick work (at times given the conditions, a little too elaborate) created havoc in the Kilkenny defence and it was his run that set up Gearóid Ryan’s ninth-minute goal. But inexorably the match turned and Jackie Tyrrell took charge at centre back and curtailed Bourke.
Brian Cody made the tactical adjustment that turned things around. Although the Kilkenny manager introduced no replacements the switch of starting centre forward Michael Fennelly to centrefield with John Mulhall going to the half forwards benefited both.
Tipperary’s edge at centrefield was blunted and then with Shane McGrath having to stay in the dressingroom at half-time with an injury and Brendan Maher switched before picking up an injury himself, Kilkenny’s first choice pairing got well on top.
The home side also fouled too much and even if Richie Hogan wasn’t flawless in the pouring rain, he nailed eight frees, which comprised a big contribution to the winning total. By contrast Kilkenny conceded nothing from frees in the second half.
The second-quarter surge featured four frees from Hogan and well-taken points from play by Mulhall and Michael Fennelly whereas Tipp’s only response was a point from John O’Neill.
Ryan made three changes at the break to try and turn around the 1-7 to 0-13 deficit. Brian O’Meara was introduced to bring some physical vigour to the attack where Patrick Maher had been struggling on JJ Delaney and Michael Cahill came in to shore up an under-pressure defence. Séamus Hennessy replaced the injured Shane McGrath. But within a minute of the restart Colin Fennelly, working hard in the unusual environs of corner forward, latched on to a long ball and one-on-one with Darren Gleeson gave the keeper no chance.
Six points ahead, Kilkenny looked unassailable. Noel McGrath, who looked frustrated with his team’s lack of flow, hit a couple of scores including a nice sideline cut. At the back David Young confirmed the good impression of last summer but in general resistance was sporadic.
A slick hand-passing movement between Eddie Brennan, Colin Fennelly and TJ Reid created a chance for Fennelly but Gleeson deflected his shot wide for a 65. Six yellow cards were issued by Brian Gavin from Tommy Walsh’s chop on Shane McGrath in the 22nd minute to those shown to O’Meara and PJ Delaney, as an apparently adequate response to a late digging match.
KILKENNY: D Herity; J Dalton, JJ Delaney, P Murphy; T Walsh (0-1), J Tyrrell, PJ Delaney; M Rice, J Mulhall (0-2); R Hogan (0-10, eight frees), M Fennelly (0-1), A Fogarty (0-2); C Fennelly (1-0), E Brennan (0-1), TJ Reid.
TIPPERARY: D Gleeson; P Stapleton, P Maher, C O'Brien; D Young, C O'Mahony, H Maloney; B Maher, S McGrath (0-1); G Ryan (1-0), P Bourke (0-4, frees), N McGrath (0-2, one lineball); T Hammersley (0-1), P Maher (0-1), J O'Neill (0-1). Subs: S Hennessy for S McGrath (ht), B O'Meara for Hammersley (ht), M Cahill for P O'Mahony (ht), J Woodlock for O'Brien (49 mins), B Dunne for B Maher (54 mins).
Referee: B Gavin(Offaly).
"They were a good bit sharper than us tonight" – Ryan
IN RETROSPECT it has been argued the origins of Kilkenny's unsuccessful pursuit of last year's five-in-a-row were visible in three league defeats earlier in 2010. Whatever happens this season, it looks as if the Leinster champions won't be giving away much this spring, writes Seán Moran.
Manager Brian Cody was predictably pleased when asked for his reaction. "Very committed game, the conditions became more difficult as the night wore on. The rain was constant and it became difficult to hold the feet and the striking became more difficult. The commitment from both sides was excellent. They went five points up in the first half but our lads reacted well and finished the half strongly and got a great start to the second. Everybody worked hard and we were delighted to get the two points.
"Once the thing settled down we came back into it strongly and we got strong at midfield. We latched on to good ball and got good scores. . . ."
Counterpart Declan Ryan was succinct about his first serious competitive outing as senior manager. "They were a good bit sharper than us tonight and they seemed to be hungrier as well. Plenty of food for thought, anyway, no doubt about that. We could have done with a win and having a couple of points on the board there, it wouldn't have been any harm. It does put that extra bit of pressure on us for the rest of the league, there's no doubt about that." He explained the three replacements at half-time as enforced. "Yeah we had injuries and we had a couple of guys who weren't feeling well. There was a little bit of a tummy bug going with a couple of guys so that's why we changed it around there."
Ryan allayed fears about Brendan Maher, who went off injured, saying he expects him to be available next week. Hurler of the Year Lar Corbett is also making good progress and is due to return to training next week.
