A critical score by Darragh McCarthy allowed Tipperary to grab a thrilling Munster U20 hurling championship from Cork, setting them up for an All-Ireland final against Offaly. Buckley’s fourth-minute extra time free made it a tie game for the eleventh time, but it was McCarthy’s final point that sealed the deal.
Cork’s dissatisfaction stemmed from a controversial 45th-minute goal that was deemed not to have been awarded. Buckley’s overhead shot appeared to be forced into the net by Eoin Horgan, but the umpires missed it. This decision meant that Cork missed out on a rematch with Offaly in the All-Ireland final, as Tipperary will be the ones contending the match next Saturday at Nowlan Park. The results also saw Tipperary equalise with Cork’s record of winning 22 Munster U20 hurling titles.
The first half of the game was close with equal scores seven times, but a lead built by Ciarán Foley’s three points gave Tipperary a slight edge with a half time score of 0-10 to 0-9. Cork’s Jack Leahy shined throughout the half by contributing 0-6 to the scoreboard, alongside Diarmuid Healy’s two point scores. However, despite leading at a point, Cork were unable to add to their tally in the last 10 minutes of the half.
Due to Buckley’s initial score in the second half and an impressive shot by dual play Hugh O’Connor, Cork got back in the game. Despite any efforts made, Tipperary regained their momentum with a 1-3 run, marked by Oisín O’Donoghue’s critical goal in the 39th-minute, taking their lead to 1-14 against Cork’s 0-12.
Although Cork appeared to have more opportunities for goals, the goalkeeper successfully defended a critical shot by Buckley, leaving Ben Walsh unable to bypass Aaron O’Halloran. The addition of spirited players from Cork’s bench started to put pressure on Tipp, as they managed to score four consecutive goals. Darragh O’Sullivan made his way forward from corner-back, scoring twice and reducing the lead to a single point.
However, the cost of their 16 wides, 11 of which were scored in the second half alone, proved to be impactful. McCarthy delivered for Tipp by earning and converting three frees, maintaining their narrow lead. Subbed player Ross O’Sullivan and Buckley each added points, managing to equalise. Nonetheless, McCarthy’s exceptional play eventually distinguished Tipp from their competitors.
The TIPPERARY line-up consisted of E Horgan, C O’Donnell, A O’Halloran, P O’Dwyer, J Collins, B Currivan, M Cawley, S O’Farrell (0-3), A Daly, C English, C Martin, C Foley (0-3), S Butler (0-1), D McCarthy (0-10, six frees, one 65), and O O’Donoghue (1-2). Substitutes enlisted were J O’Callaghan, E Craddock, R Connolly, S Rowan, and J Egan.
The CORK team featured P O’Sullivan, D Cashman, K Lyons, D O’Sullivan (0-2), Ben Walsh (0-1), C Tobin, J Dwyer, M Finn (0-1), T Wilk (0-1), H O’Connor (0-1), W Buckley (0-3, one free), D Healy (0-3), J Leahy (0-6, four frees), Barry Walsh (0-1), and D Cremin. They enlisted substitutes J O’Brien, A O’Sullivan, R O’Sullivan, and B O’Flynn.
The game was overseen by referee N Malone from Clare.