N.Y. GAA Tipp hurlers show why they’re champs

> By Mike Fitzpatrick

Tipperary 2-17, Clare 0-10

What started off as an evenly contested contest between two of New York¹s most famous hurling clubs ended as a convincing 13-point victory for the current championship holders Tipperary.

Tipp entered the tie as one of the top dogs of New York hurling, seemingly intent on wreaking havoc and storming their way towards another senior hurling title. They were, however, surprised a little by this stubborn Clare side, which appeared as if it were out to cause ripples of shock throughout the world of New York hurling with their first half performance, when they managed to keep the Tipp team down to a mere six points.

Veterans John Madden and Tony O¹Brien opened the scoring for Tipperary with two early points, followed by a couple of efforts from Paul Hogan and Alan Slattery. The Bannermen immediately came back though. Eddie Flynn, and the Ulster men Lawrence McGrath, Darren Doherty and Marty McGlade all hit accurate efforts over the bar to bring the Bannermen right back into the tie.

At half time, Tipperary held a two-point lead, which by no means seemed safe.

The Clare backline stubbornly resisted the Tipp strike force, and going into the second half, those present were left wondering whether a major shock was on the cards. It was not to be however.

Tipperary reorganized themselves, bringing on Mark Comerford and John Keane to add some fresh legs to their cause, and within minutes they were further ahead. Kevin and Mike Kennedy grabbed a point each to increase the Tipperary lead to four points, and Kevin Kennedy grabbed a fine goal to move his side even further in front.

Clare continued to push forward, and Doherty and McGlade registered more points for their cause. Their superior opponents then went on something of a scoring spree, with points following from Slattery, Ray Duggan, the two Kennedys and John Madden. Madden’s late goal gave Tipp the victory, and puts them back among the top teams in the division. Tipp, although reaching nowhere near their top form, will be a tough side to beat this year.

Tipperary: Ian Duggan, Donal Cummins, Jimmy Lyons, Alan Slattery (0-3), Pádraig Madden, Declan O¹Meara (0-1), Ray Duggan (0-1), Kevin Kennedy (1-3), Paul Hogan (0-2), Tony O¹Brien (0-1), John Madden (1-2). Subs: John Keane (0-1), Mark Comerford.

Clare: Joe O¹Connor, Brian Adams, Colm Walsh, Eddie Flynn (0-1), Seamus Pender (0-1), Lawrence McGrath (0-1), Marty McGlade (0-2), Gerry Rogerson, Joe Firth, Vincent Kennedy (0-1), Ray McKenna, Barney Breen (0-1), Darren Doherty (0-3).