Tipperary 4-28
Offaly 3-13
Jackie Cahill reports from O’Connor Park, Tullamore
SEAMUS CALLANAN SHOT 2-11 as Tipperary romped into the semi-finals of the Allianz Hurling League this afternoon.
Tipp ran out comprehensive 18-point winners against the hosts at O’Connor Park, Tullamore, and they led by 25 points in the second half.
Two late consolation goals from Offaly’s leading scorer Shane Dooley added some degree of respectability to the scoreboard but Kevin Ryan’s charges were outclassed.
With Callanan scoring 1-6 in the first, Tipp led by 1-14 to 0-7 at the break, and they pushed on to set up a semi-final showdown with Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford.
Tipp also registered 13 wides but had more than enough for Offaly, who finished fourth in Division 1B.
It was also impressive first half from Niall O’Meara, who picked off three points from play while also providing the assist for Callanan’s 17th-minute goal.
Offaly had been competitive in the early stages and were level at 0-4 each before Tipp began to pull away.
Four points had the Premier County 0-8 to 0-4 in front before Callanan took a pass from O’Meara and drilled a low shot that reared up off the turf past James Dempsey.
When Noel McGrath added a point, Tipp had collected 1-5 without reply and they would not be caught.
The interval lead, ten points, was their biggest of the game to date and Tipp, with Dan McCormack producing another steady display, wouldn’t let up in the second half.
Completely dominant in the puck-out stakes, Tipp had all of the primary possession and space that they needed to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
And there was an added bonus when All-Star corner back Cathal Barrett returned from injury for his seasonal bow, while Alan Flynn was also handed a full League debut from the start at corner back.
Only a couple of brilliant second half saves from Dempsey – denying sub Steven O’Brien and Callanan – kept the score down, before the floodgates opened.
More goals did come from Tipperary as sub Paul Flynn, brother of Alan, netted in the 53rd minute before Oisín Kelly replied in kind for Offaly two minutes later.
Callanan placed for O’Brien ten minutes from time and the former dual minor showed that he’s lost none of his football skills by kicking to the net.
Callanan bagged his second goal with seven minutes left, O’Brien returning the favour, before Offaly’s leading scorer Dooley netted twice in the closing minutes, taking advantage of some sloppy Tipperary defending on both occasions.
Scorers for Tipperary – Seamus Callanan 2-11 (0-7f, 0-1 65), Niall O’Meara 0-5, Paul Flynn & Steven O’Brien 1-1 each, Dan McCormack 0-4, Michael Breen 0-3, Noel McGrath, John O’Dwyer & Stephen Cahill 0-1 each.
Scorers for Offaly – Shane Dooley 2-8 (0-6f), Oisín Kelly 1-0, Paddy Murphy 0-2, Aidan Treacy, Seán Ryan & Cillian Kiely 0-1 each.
Tipperary
1. Darren Gleeson – Portroe
22. Tomás Hamill – Moyne-Templetuohy
3. James Barry – Upperchurch-Drombane
20. Alan Flynn – Kiladangan
5. Seamus Kennedy – St. Marys
6. Ronan Maher – Thurles Sarsfields
7. Padraic Maher (Capt.) – Thurles Sarsfields
8. Michael Breen – Ballina
9. Jason Forde – Silvermines
10. Dan McCormack – Borris-Ileigh
11. Niall O’Meara – Kilruane MacDonaghs
12. Noel McGrath – Loughmore-Castleiney
15. John McGrath – Loughmore-Castleiney
14. Seamus Callanan – Drom & Inch
13. John O’Dwyer – Killenaule
Subs
25. Steven O’Brien (Ballina) for N McGrath (h.t.)
21. Paul Flynn (Kiladangan) for J McGrath (43)
17. Cathal Barrett (Holycross-Ballycahill) for Hamill (46)
26. Daire Quinn (Nenagh Éire Óg) for P Maher (52)
4. Stephen Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields) for O’Meara (64).
Offaly
1. James Dempsey – Kinnitty
2. Paddy Rigney – Kinnitty
3. Michael Cleary – Shinrone
4. Enda Grogan – Kilcormac/Killoughey
5. David King – Coolderry
6. Dermot Shortt – St Rynagh’s
7. Sean Gardner – Lusmagh
8. Aidan Treacy – St Rynagh’s
9. Seán Ryan – Birr
10. Paddy Murphy – Ballinamere
11. Shane Dooley – Tullamore
14. Cillian Kiely – Kilcormac/Killoughey
15. Emmett Nolan – Birr
13. Seán Cleary – Shinrone
12. Oisín Kelly – Belmont
Subs
17. Pat Camon (St Rynagh’s) for Kiely (29)
18. Tom Carroll (Seir Kieran) for Murphy (51)
19. Padraig Guinan (Drumcullen) for M Cleary (52)
24. Liam Langton (Clodiagh Gaels) for Gardner (60).
Referee – Colm Lyons (Cork)
