In the Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship finale, Loughmore-Castleiney triumphed over Toomevara 2-19 to 1-17, marking their second win of the Dan Breen Cup in a span of four years. The challenging county hurling final took place at FBD Semple Stadium amid the onset of winter and persistently grappled before Loughmore-Castleiney secured the victory.
The competition was a back and forth affair, highlighted by the final few moments that comprised a frenzy of three goals that sequentially determined, rattled and eventually finalised the outcome. John McGrath, in accordance with expectations, received the Man of the Match award after his notably productive performance – securing 1-13, with 1-3 earned from actual play. His goal in the 60th minute was a defining moment in the day’s game.
Although Toomevara was featuring a new generation of players at this level for the first time, they demonstrated the confidence typical of a seasoned team. Their start was impressive, setting the pace and maintaining a continuous lead during the initial half.
The duel was largely neck and neck, with neither side able to forge a significant lead. It was only nearing the game’s final quarter when Loughmore executed a three-point lead – a first in the match. In contrast, Loughmore-Castleiney seemed perturbed by the scenario. Even the typically composed Brian McGrath had to compensate for his slip-up after Jack Delaney capitalised on an error in the seventh minute. Ed Connolly was offered a goal opportunity in the 10th minute, however, his shot was defended by Rory Brislane, and he failed to follow through on the rebound.
The match was a compelling test of ability, highly reliant on the strength of the in-play forwards, with noteworthy strategies employed to counteract young Darragh McCarthy of Toomevara, despite the keen watch of Lorcan Egan. McCarthy and his opponents from Loughmore were equally stingy in doling out hints. The game soon found itself stuck in the central third, prompting an almost immediate transformation into a free-shooting race between McCarthy and McGrath.
For the majority of the initial half, Toomevara held the lead, only to lose it by a small margin of two points by half-time, with the score at 0-12 to 0-10. The 12th goal, an unchallenged point from Liam McGrath following a misaimed puck-out, likely added to their frustration. Noel McGrath, performing drably at the start, improved vastly, his understanding of the game and impressive alignment with brother John providing valuable assist for key goals, including the victory-sealing one.
Eamonn Kelly, the manager, expressed his admiration for his midfielder, stating his pleasure that Noel will manage to get the photo with the Dan Breen and his son Sam, emphasising the importance it held for him. The setback faced by Toomevara at half-time was never made up, however they continued to strive to maintain their standing. Loughmore proved to be more adept at the challenge, with each team bagging 1-2 from substitutes.
The 57th-minute goal for Paul McCahey, a combined effort with Eoin O’Connell and John McGrath that breezed through Toomevara’s defence, lead to a five-point lead, with the score at 1-19 to 0-17. Conor O’Meara retaliated minutes later by achieving a one-handed finish, reducing the deficit to two points. However, any aspirations for a spectacular close from Toome quickly evaporated as John McGrath, assisted by brother Noel, bypassed Andrew Ryan to score another goal.
Toomevara’s manager, Ken Dunne, reflected on the game: “Their scoring at critical moments made the difference. The initial goal had a significant impact. We reacted strongly, it felt like we were within reach of a win after our own goal. However, they quickly moved up the pitch, Noel intervened, and a solid goal was scored for John.”
Loughmore are avidly pursuing another dual championship victory. They are set to face Clonmel Commercials in the football finale next week, with an additional shot at the Munster hurling championship looming.
Kelly shared his thoughts on the team: “Their passion is split between the two disciplines,” he observed, “so I saw no benefit in challenging that. Managing them is unlike any experience I’ve had before. They’re an absolute joy to work with. We had five reserves join today’s match, and there are likely five more who could’ve seen playtime.”
He added: “They handle defeat well. They are keen to return to the pitch and boost their colleagues’ spirits.”
The team for LOUGHMORE-CASTLEINEY included A McGrath, W Eviston, J Hennessy, L Egan, J Ryan, B McGrath (0-1), E Meagher, N McGrath, C Connolly, E Connolly (0-1), T McGrath, T Maher, L McGrath (0-1), J McGrath (1-13, 0-10f), L Treacy (0-1). The substitutes were: C McCormack (0-2) for Treacy (38 mins), C McGrath for Hennessy (40 mins), P McCahey (1-0) for L McGrath (54 mins), E O’Connell for J Ryan (56 mins) and D McCahey for T McGrath (61 mins).
TOOMEVARA line-up was as follows: R Brislane was guarding the goal while A Ryan, S O’Farrell, and L Ryan were in the defence. Midfield was handled by J McCarthy, B O’Connell, J Ryan, and forwards included R Quirke (0-1) and C O’Farrell (0-1). J Delaney (0-2), K McCarthy (0-2) and M McCarthy formed the half forwards and D McCarthy (0-9, 8f), A Hall, and D Delaney completed the full forward line-up. J Powell replaced O’Farrell in the 42nd minute. In the 44th minute, C O’Meara (1-2) came on for Hall while J McCarthy was replaced by J Hackett in the 45th minute. J Ryan made way for C Canning in the 52nd minute and P Ryan swapped with M McCartthy in the 54th minute. The referee for the game was Alan Tierney, affiliated with Shannon Rovers.