Tipperary All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions 2019

£34.50

Every single All Ireland carries deep meaning in Tipperary, but there was no disguising the sense of satisfaction which accompanied this triumph at Croke Park.
The pain of 2018 when Tipperary failed to glean a top three spot in Munster was replaced by pleasure at the Jones Road venue. That Tipperary defeated Kilkenny in such daring and convincing fashion merely brought another layer of excitement. A blend of industry and imagination ensured the blue and gold brigade gleefully celebrated the Liam MacCarthy Cup being hoisted by Seamus Callanan.
Liam Sheedy’s return to the sideline brought passion alongside a most able backroom team meaning there was no shortage of purpose either. On the most important day of the lot Tipperary excelled.
Initially Tipperary had to demonstrate grit to survive, but in the second period the crafty, inventive forward play thrived.
When these old foes collide drama is inevitable and a tight and tense opening period was almost inevitable.
It is precisely what unfolded in front of an expectant audience at GAA headquarters with Kilkenny settling smartly before Tipperary thundered back as the interval approached.
Ultimately at the break Tipperary were content to depart armed with a narrow 1-9 to 0-11 advantage, but Kilkenny would be forced to play the second half without Richie Hogan, who was sent off in the 33rd minute.
The gifted Danesfort forward was red carded by James Owens after a challenge on Cathal Barrett as Tipperary eventually went in one ahead.
Early on such a scenario appeared unlikely because by the 21st minute Kilkenny had accumulated a 0-8 to 0-3 cushion.
Kilkenny’s start was chiefly due to the sharp free taking of TJ Reid, who nailed five of those efforts, while the bustling John Donnelly dashed about craving involvement.
Gradually, though, Tipp began to enjoy some encouraging moments with Jason Forde drilling a 65 and then adding a free awarded in the aftermath of an inspirational Brendan Maher run.
Then a 26th minute goal was pocketed when Niall O’Meara rattled the Kilkenny net and Tipp made it 1-3 without reply courtesy of a Forde 65.

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