Hurling Interprovincial semi-finals/Munster 0-25 Ulster1-13: Despite a brave effort from Ulster, it always looked as if Munster had the power to win at Casement Park yesterday. But it wasn't plain sailing.
For three-quarters of the game, Ulster played with a passion and tenacity that troubled the visitors, but lack of fitness told. In the closing quarter, Munster rifled over a series of long-range points which earned a comfortable win.
Ulster put up a brave effort, especially throughout the first half when the teams were level eight times before going in at the break, 0-10 to 0-10.
A goal for Ulster, three minutes into the second half, should have lifted the home side but, instead, it stung Munster into more positive action. A shot form Johnny McIntosh was parried, but when Karl Stewart put pressure on the defenders the sliotar trickled over the goalline.
John Gardiner lifted his men with a long-range point immediately, and Munster slipped into gear. They rifled over seven unanswered points in 10 minutes.
ULSTER: DD Quinn; M Kettle, L Hinphey, M Convery; S Wilson (0-1, free), G Bell, P O'Kane; Greg Biggs (0-2), A Savage (0-1); B McFall (0-3, one free), P Braniff (0-1), B McGourty; K Stewart (1-0), L Richmond (0-1), J McIntosh (0-4, two frees). Subs: K McKeegan for Stewart (42 mins), R Convery for McGourty (46 mins), G Savage for Biggs (48 mins).
MUNSTER: D Fitzgerald; E Murphy, P Maher, P Mulcahy; J Gardiner (0-2), R Curran, D Fitzgerald; O Moran (0-2), P Kelly (0-6, one free, one 65); B O'Connor (0-7, six frees), S Prendergast (0-2), T Carmody; N Gilligan (0-3), M Webster, E Kelly (0-2). Subs: S Butler (0-1) for Kelly (42 mins), A Markham for Carmody (44 mins), P Curran for Murphy (50 mins), D McMahon for Webster (52 mins).
Referee: B Gavin (Offaly).
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