ELECTRIC IRELAND MUNSTER MHC SEMI-FINAL
Tonight: Tipperary v Waterford, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 7.30pm, (S Hourigan, Limerick)
Latest from the medics and the management…Tipperary boss Willie Maher has made four changes as Barry Heffernan comes into the side at left half-back, Tadhg Gallagher is named at midfield, Steven O’Brien will line out at left half-forward and Sean Ryan is drafted in at left corner-forward. Luke Mullally, Tom Kirwan, Sean Nally and Kevin Slattery are the four players to make way. Waterford have also made four personnel alterations with David O’Brien drafted in at right half-back, Colin Dunford at midfield, Austin Gleeson at centre-forward and Brendan Phelan at full-forward. Cian Leamy, Conor Sheehan, Adam O’Sullivan and Cathal Curran are the four players to lose out.
TIPPERARY MH: Paul Maher (Moyne-Templetuohy); Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Michael Breen (Ballina), Jack Peters (Kilruane McDonaghs); Dylan Fitzelle (Cashel King Cormacs), Thomas Hamill (Killea), Barry Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh); Bill Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), Tadhg Gallagher (Kildangan); John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney), Jack Shelly (Mullinahone), Stephen O’Brien (Ballina); Stephen Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields), Mark McCarthy (Toomevara), Sean Ryan (Sean Treacy’s).
WATERFORD MH: Sean Barry (Lismore); Kieran Bennett (Ballysaggart), Tadgh Bourke (Clashmore/Kinsalebeg), Shane Bennett (Ballysaggart); David O’Brien (Tourin), Shane McNulty (De La Salle), Kieran Power (Kilrossanty); Tom Devine (Modeligo), Colin Dunford (Colligan); DJ Foran (Portlaw), Austin Gleeson (Mount Sion), Michéal Harney (Bunmahon); Stephen Bennett (Ballysaggart), Brendan Phelan (Ballinameela), Darragh Flynn (Erins Own).
Checking the odds…Tipperary have been installed as favourites at 4/6 with Waterford rated at 11/8.
Clues from the form guide…It’s difficult to know if Tipperary learnt anything from their opening round destruction of Kerry as they cantered to a 6-21 to 0-11 victory but the game did demonstrate the scoring potential that they possess. In contrast Waterford endured a serious examination of their credentials but emerging from Cusack Park in Ennis with a 1-20 to 3-13 victory after extra-time against Clare will serve as a major boost.
The game breakers are…Cathal Curran, the star of the show for Coláiste na nDéise in this year’s Dr Harty Cup final victory, is a notable loss for Waterford through injury but Michéal Harney and Darragh O’Flynn have shown their eye for a score. And Waterford have a match-winner in Stephen Bennett, who plundered 3-2 as a 16 year-old in last year’s Munster MHC, and fired 0-7 in April in this season’s opening game against Clare. Travelling to Semple Stadium makes this a tricky task for Waterford though with a Tipperary side in a strong condition and boasting lethal attackers in John McGrath and Mark McCarthy. The additions of Nenagh CBS All-Ireland colleges winners Tadhg Gallagher and Stephen O’Brien strengthens their cause further while Thomas Hamill is a resolute defender.
Gazing into the crystal ball…Waterford have developed an impressive record in this grade in recent seasons and are bidding to reach the county’s fourth successive provincial minor hurling final here. They have assembled a decent side too and indeed the county have not lost to Tipperary in this grade since 2003. Yet that streak could end here. Home advantage will help Tipperary, they are equipped with some excellent players and the bond that has formed between these players as a large chunk of the squad are also involved with the county’s successful minor footballers, could propel them over the line.
Verdict: Tipperary
