The Munster minor hurling trophy, John Doyle Cup, is en route to Holycross, as Cathal O’Reilly of Tipperary becomes the first captain to hoist the new trophy. This followed Tipperary’s win over Clare, the current All-Ireland champions, thanks to contribution from Stefan Tobin (1-3) and Cillian Minogue (1-1) which helped them secure their 42nd title.
Clare’s stunning season was based on their formidable defence, only letting in 60 points over four group matches without conceding a single goal. In contrast, Tipp had let in eight goals. However, in a dramatic turn of events at the Gaelic Grounds before a crowd of 4,287, Tipperary turned the tables. This win propels them into the All-Ireland semi-finals, whilst Clare will have another opportunity in the quarterfinals.
Despite having the advantage of the Ennis Road breeze, Clare found themselves trailing behind as Tipperary took an early lead, with Tobin playing pivotal role. James Cullinan’s solitary reply was surpassed as Tipp extended their lead thanks to Euan Murray and an Eoghan Doughan free shot, contributing towards a total of 0-9 split equally between the two, with Doughan scoring six.
Showing resilience, Clare bounced back with six of the next seven points to take the lead for the first time, including notable contributions from Harry Doherty and Paul Rodgers. However, the lead fluctuated, with Liam Murphy’s precise attempt creating a stalemate at 0-10 each.
Though O’Callaghan Mills forward was close to scoring a goal right before the break, he was thwarted by pressure from Shane Ryan and O’Reilly. Despite having a good shot at a goal after the resumption, it was a miss by Tobin for Tipp. However, Doherty’s shot after a Tipp blunder was easily saved by Daire English, and only at the three-quarter mark did Tipp finally break through the deadlock to reach 0-14 each.
Billy O’Brien managed to intercept a low puck-out. Tobin skillfully distracted the last two players on the opposing team, rendering Minogue with the opportunity to unleash a powerful shot into the far corner of the goal. Additional scores were later added by Murray and substitute Aaron Cagney, pushing the lead to five points.
In the latter stages of the game, a well-aimed long delivery from Jake Donelan-Houlihan led to Tobin scoring their second goal with an impressively measured finish.
Despite Clare’s attempts to strike back with goals, the combination of English defending the goal, skipper O’Reilly and centre-back Owen O’Dwyer were able to fend them off, securing Tipperary’s defence.
Tipperary’s line-up included D English, S Ryan, C O’Reilly and P Ryan among others with Donelan-Houlihan, O’Dwyer and D Ryan leading the defence. T Ryan partnered with A Ryan in midfield while D O’Hora, E Doughan, and B O’Brien led the forward line. S Tobin, E Murray and C Minogue were impressive in attack with A Cagney, P Cummins, and K Cantwell coming off the bench as substitutes.
On the other hand, Clare’s team comprised the likes of M Crotty, S McNamara, S Óg Kilkenny, and D Moroney. D Kennedy, J Cullinan and R Mulcahy marshalled the defence. In midfield, G Ball paired with M Corbett while H Doherty, P Finneran and C Ralph featured in the forward line. J O’Connor, L Murphy and P Rodgers also formed part of the team with R Hayes, M Vaughan, T Lohan and D Ball playing as substitutes. C O’Regan from Cork officiated the match.
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