February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
New Jersey 2-16
Tipperary 2-11
Tipperary had come out strong in the second half, trailing by 0-9 to 1-5 at the break. The momentum appeared to have shifted in Tipp’s direction when home county star Eugene O’Neill banged home a great goal.
But to their credit, Pat Lynch’s men steadied themselves and came right back at Tipperary. Long-serving substitute Michael Dennis made his appearance, and he made it count when he set up Kieran Murphy for the goal that kept Jersey’s championship dream alive.
In heavy traffic Dennis cleanly caught on the edge of the small square and left the ball for Murphy. The weekender, who more than justified his fare, took his chance and buried it well, narrowing Tipp’s lead to just a point.
The opening half had been a nip-and-tuck affair with Tipperary keeping close from Liam Croke’s early goal. New Jersey, looking to secure their first Junior Hurling Championship in 10 years, had the slight edge in the first half, in large part due in large part to the Murphy brothers. Kieran and Ronan Murphy made the trip over from Cork a worthwhile one, and before the day was out Kieran Murphy had strafed the Tipperary back line for two goals and seven points.
After Kieran Murphy’s goal brought New Jersey to within a point, Jersey center back Ronan Sheedy played a captain’s part. The fiery No. 6 drove over a 75-yard free to bring the Jersey boys level, as the momentum swung New Jersey’s way.
Then Sheedy really put his stamp on this game. The aggressive center back urged his team on leading both by word and deed. Tipperary, hoping to keep alive their hopes of winning the hurling double, sought to fight their way back into the lead. Seamus Butler nudged Tipperary back in front with a free, and with 10 minutes remaining, the Cup was still up for grabs.
Tipp’s lead was short lived, however, when center forward Eamon Collins leveled scores again. The good-sized crowd were enjoying a fine hurling match, despite choppy field conditions that the players from both sides gamely ignored. Tipperary came back in front with a fine effort from Eugene O’Neill, but it would be their last gasp.
Then the Murphy brothers combined for the killer blow. Ronan fed brother Kieran and when Keiran shook the twines, New Jersey were on the road to the championship.
With the finish line in view, New Jersey sprinted home. Two more points from Kieran Murphy and one last one from Collins and New Jersey were champions and headed to Senior Hurling in 2003.
Man of the Match: Kieran Murphy.
New Jersey: Kevin McManus, Noel Doherty, Carl Hogan, Ronan Sheedy (0-1), Kevin Moore, Kevin Corbett (0-1), Tom Bermingham (0-1), John Slattery, Eamon Collins (0-3), Ronan Murphy (0-3), Willy Cooney, Kieran Murphy (2-7). Subs: Shane Corbett, Mike Dennis, Morgan Burns, Tony Spillane.
Tipperary: Tim Cullen, John Kissane, Donal Cummins, Steve Carty, Sean Sheppard, Tony Mansell, Seamus Butler (0-2), Robbie Quinlan, Liam Croke (1-1), Enda O’Connor (0-1), Shane Quinlan, Eugene O’Neill (1-6). Subs: Tony O’Brien, Paul Casey, Paul Hogan, Jack O’Donnell (0-1).