ANTRIM'S convincing start at Croke Park yesterday saw Johnny Flynn smash a hurley at the throw in and Ciaran McGrath race away down the right to send over the opening score after 10 seconds. It was, alas, followed by the usual pattern in All Ireland minor hurling semi finals.

Tipperary gradually mowed down the opposition in a manner that was so predictable. Even at this late stage, 61 years since Antrim failed to score a point in the 1935 final (6-7 to 0-0), one has to ask: have we not seen enough of this type of match?

It serves neither side. Only when Tipperary lost concentration did Antrim emerge as lukewarm challengers.

Ant rim in fact failed to score a point in the second half.

The only thing they enjoyed over Tipperary was that Gareth Ward scored the best goal of the match, a great first time pull that travelled to the roof of the net like fork lightning. This came seven minutes into the second half from 21 yards out and made the score look a little respectable, 2-14 to 3-3.

The Antrim boys got another chance to score a goal 10 minutes later after Tipperary had stretched their advantage but Ward failed to capitalise on a mistake by Tipperary goalkeeper Fergal Horgan.

Tipperary then put some reserve talent on view with the obvious intention of giving them a run on the sacred sod before the All Ireland final against Galway.

Of these Paddy O'Brien was particularly impressive with the placed ball and while only on for a little more than 15 minutes, the Toomevara player hit four brilliant long range points, one from a 65.

Declan Browne, who replaced top scorer Michael Kennedy (2-5), also did well, as did Eddie Carey with two points.

But in Eugene O'Neill, Tipperary have an extremely talented full forward.