Tipp to end Clare's reign

UNDER-21 HURLING MUNSTER FINAL/Clare v Tipperary:IF THE leading Tipperary players have recovered sufficiently from their senior exertions in defeating Galway last Sunday then the reign of All-Ireland champions Clare may come to an end this evening.

Michael Cahill at corner back, Pádraic Maher and the fabulous Brendan Maher in the half-back line, Noel McGrath in midfield and Patrick Maher at centre forward all featured three days ago.

Tipperary won two minor All-Irelands a few seasons ago, but showed a few weaknesses when Cork pushed them into extra-time in this year’s under-21 semi-final.

Also, this Clare team will not go quietly. Six of their starting 15 drove them to an All-Ireland last season and have all progressed to the senior ranks. A significant change in approach sees the 2009 full forward Camin Morey operate at centre back with their challenge being primarily guided by midfielders Nicky O’Connell and Seán Collins. John Conlon captains them from centre forward while a decent supply into Darach Honan may see them turnover this fine Tipp side.

A crackling battle is anticipated with Tipperary, providing the energy reserves exist, expected to edge into an All-Ireland semi-final against the Ulster champions.

Antrim meet surprise packet Armagh in the provincial decider in Casement Park tonight (throw-in 7.30pm).

TIPPERARY: J Logue; K O’Gorman, J Coghlan, M Cahill; J Barry, Pádraic Maher (capt), B Maher; S Hennessy, N McGrath; S Carey, Patrick Maher, B O’Meara; M Heffernan, P Murphy, J O’Dwyer.

CLARE: D Touhy; D Nash, C Chaplin, J Gunning; L Markam, C Morey, P O’Connor; N O’Connell, S Collins; P Vaughan, J Conlon (capt), E Hayes; F Kennedy, D Honan, C McGrath.

Referee: C McAllister (Cork).