Tipperary Beat Cork at Semple Stadium

Tipperary achieved 2-22 to 0-23 win over Cork in Semple Stadium on Sunday.  Cork started off well in the game creating two opportunities for a goal, but they could not take advantage of their early superiority.  Cummins made a good save for Tipperary in the first minute, while Horgan fired just wide for Cork a little later.  In the opening half hour of the game both teams scored some decent times with the score being the same four times.  The game took a turn after 27 minutes, Patrick Maher was fouled as he ran in on the Cork goal, but he kept going and passed to Corbett, who finished with aplomb.

Eoin Kelly scored his fourth point of the afternoon before scoring a sensational goal. The Tipperary forward weaved his way through three Cork defenders and buried the sliotar in the corner of the goal.

Noel McGrath added a point in the 34th minute, which meant Tipperary had opened up an eight point lead in the space of seven minutes.

Cork scored three quick fire points to reduce the deficit, but Noel McGrath hit a beautiful sideline ball over the bar and Kelly also scored to leave Tipperary with a 2-11 to 0-10 lead at the break.

The sides again exchanged points at the start of the second half to leave Tipperary with a 2-15 to 0-14 lead. Cork then produced some scintillating hurling to reel off seven points without reply to equalise. Eoin Caddigan also made a great block to stop a Tipperary goal chance.

Cork had asked serious questions of the All Ireland champions, but Tipperary responded with gusto. Three of Tipperary’s most experienced and talented hurlers, Lar Corbett, Eoin Kelly and Noel McGrath, scored points in an important three minute period around the hour.

Tipperary’s discipline remained questionable and Cork added their ninth point from frees in the 63rd minute. It proved to be just a glimmer of hope for Cork, however, as Benny Dunne finished the contest in the 66th minute with Tipperary’s third goal. Some slack defending lead to Dunne receiving the ball to the left of Cork’s goal. The Tipperary forward hit a hard shot past Cusack, who stood no chance of saving it in the Cork goal.

Pat Horgan was terrific for Cork and he scored his 13th point of the day in the 67th minute. Tipperary would not be denied, however. McGrath scored again from a sideline ball and Seamus Callanan scores two late points to give Tipperary an eight point victory.

Tipperary will now face Clare in the Munster semi final and will expect to beat the Division 2 side. Cork will enter the backdoor system and will have their work cut out to claim the Liam McCarthy cup this year.