N.Y. GAA Tipperary turn back challenge by Limerick

By Mike Fitzpatrick

Tipperary 1-18, Limerick 1-12

A thoroughly enjoyable game of hurling was played out in front of an exuberant crowd of supporters at Gaelic Park on Sunday, with Tipperary overcoming the threat of a tough Limerick side, thanks in no small part to the scoring prowess of Eugene O’Neill and Paul Hogan and the never-say-die spirit of the courageous John Madden.

O’Neill blasted a couple of points over the bar early on in the first half, only to be replied to almost immediately in the form of Eamonn Shields and Tom Simms of Limerick. The lads from Limerick put up a tremendous show of resilience, only to fall behind midway through the half after Tipperary’s Hogan and O’Neill continued their panache in front of goal, knocking in another couple of points. Tom Canty continued his good streak of form with one more point for Limerick and Brendan Cagney hammered one more in before the interval.

The most dangerous player on the pitch, however, was undoubtedly Tipperary’s John Madden, running tirelessly between midfield and attack with phenomenal results. Madden’s lightening pace and tremendous strength often proved a little too much for his dogged opposite numbers, and stubborn as his markers were, he seemed too feisty for them. Limerick’s Tom Sims was desperately unlucky not to put his side in front after a long run and shot at goal which seemed to veer to the right and hit the side netting, much to his disbelief.

Tipp’s O’Neill continued his relentless pursuit of points and shirked off a number of Limerick challenges only to do the unexpected and pass to Hogan who obliged and fired in a fantastic goal past Limerick’s goalkeeper, Finbarr Flood. This really put Tipp in the driving seat, and Limerick almost tied to the roof rack, until Jack Foley and Dave Sims fired in points to bring Limerick back from the brink. Sims capped a fine personal performance by deservedly shooting a goal in for Limerick after some intelligent play from his teammate Mike Deere, who was strong throughout. O’Neill and Shane Ryan scored two points toward the end and Owen Cummins scored his sole point of the afternoon. Tipp finished up six points ahead in this entertaining game, though Limerick can consider themselves unfortunate at having played so well only to finish up on the losing side.

Tipperary lineout and scorers: Ian Duggan, Donal Cummins (0-2), Gary Mernagh, Jim Darcy, Seamus Collison, Mike Kennedy, Shane Comerford, John Madden (0-4), Shane Ryan (0-2), Eugene O’Neill (0-5), Tony O’Brien, Paul Hogan (1-4). Sub David Lonergan (0-1).

Limerick: Finbarr Flood, Vincent Ruane, John Riordan, Dave Reynolds (0-1), Tom Canty (0-1), Jack Foley (0-2), Brendan Cagney (0-1), Eamonn Shields (0-1), Tom Sims (0-2), Mike Deere, Paul Cauldwell, Maurice Nelligan, Davis Sims (1-4), Sub — Mark Nash.