1. Tipperary goals crucial once more against Limerick
When Limerick met Tipperary last summer, they were rocked by the concession of four goals that wounded their Munster semi-final challenge. After conceding four on that occasion, there must have been a focus from the outset today by TJ Ryan’s men to plug holes at the back.
Instead they leaked a brace inside the first eight minutes and were on the backfoot from an early juncture. Both looked preventable from a Limerick viewpoint but for Tipperary they were further evidence of the growing influence midfielder Michael Breen can exert on games.
Then as Limerick settled they were mugged by Tipperary for another goal in the 28th minute, this time from the stick of danger man Seamus Callanan. Conceding three goals in the first half caused Limerick untold damage as Tipperary’s goalscoring prowess proved the difference again.
2. John O’Dwyer sees red
Reaching for a red card in the first quarter of a senior hurling championship game is a big call for a referee to make. James McGrath faced that decision in the 14th minute today but punishing John O’Dwyer for striking out at Richie English was the correct call.
O’Dwyer’s recklessness looked like a pivotal moment that could cost Tipperary. But instead the 14 men regrouped for a brilliant Premier victory.
Still the loss of O’Dwyer, who was at his skilful best against Cork last month, for the Munster final through suspension is a setback for Michael Ryan’s side.
3. Limerick’s second-half attacking travails
When Shane Dowling smashed the ball high over the bar in the 33rd minute today, Limerick had cut Tipperary’s advantage to a single point, 3-3 to 0-11. They would go in at half-time three points down but still firmly in the hunt for honours.
What transpired in the second-half was galling for Limerick. Take away the 1-1 they bagged at the death courtesy of substitutes John Fitzgibbon and Tom Morrissey, and Limerick only scored 0-4 in the second-half.
That tally was comprised of three Dowling frees – in the 37th, 55th and 65th minutes – and a solitary effort from play courtesy of Declan Hannon in the 50th minute. Those scoring statistics paint a vivid picture of Limerick’s struggles in the second-half.
With a personnel advantage, there was a glorious chance after half-time to push on for victory. They didn’t show the adventure necessary to do that. It was a frustrating afternoon for Limerick hurling.
4. Tipperary’s herculean defensive effort
Limerick’s offensive difficulties have to be placed under the microscope but it’s important as well to look at the blue and gold wall they faced. Tipperary’s defence was magnificent. They endured a tricky time during the first-half when Limerick looked capable of opening them up but rose brilliantly after the break to the daunting challenge placed before them.
Cathal Barrett and James Barry were both conspicuous by their displays but this was a superb collective defensive showing by the 14-men Tipperary unit. This was the type of success that will nourish their 2016 hopes, a sterner examination of their character than what they faced against Cork at the quarter-final stage. The champions will be a tough nut for final challengers Waterford to crack.
5. Limerick’s task to recover
Tomorrow morning Limerick will discover their fate in the qualifiers. It’s the same scenario as that which they faced in 2015, bowing out at the last four in Munster. Then they stumbled past Westmeath before being caught by Dublin in mid-July in Thurles.
Their supporters will expect a longer campaign this season and their players ambitions will be similar. To achieve that, they will need a sustained performance as they only hurled intermittently today.
Limerick started with four debutants – proof of the developing nature of this team – but they’ll need this experience to be instructive if they are to respond this summer.
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