Quality hurling from start to finish.
Well, we had to wait a bit longer (20 minutes, to be exact), but it was well worth it.
Tipperary are in the hurling league final after overcoming a spirited, dogged Limerick side at Semple Stadium. They needed extra-time to do it but, once again, they proved their mettle and elite-level pedigree by negotiating all the ebbs and flows you’d expect from a serious game of hurling to cross the finish line. When it came down to it, with limbs wearying in extra-time, Tipp just had that little bit extra in the tank, eventually running out 2-31 to 1-31 victors.
The 12,000-strong crowd that travelled out to Thurles on Saturday night were treated to a high-class hurling spectacle. Although Limerick will feel crestfallen at leaving empty-handed, they more than played their part in a thoroughly enjoyable game.
There may not have been a goal between them, but the exhibition of shooting throughout the 70+ minutes really was something to behold, from John McGrath drilling over a fine opening point for Tipp to a characteristically accomplished display from Aaron Gillane.
Jason Forde scores from a tight angle! pic.twitter.com/1WMqoYZE3B
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 31, 2018
It was a classic ding-dong battle that made for an absorbing watch. Limerick looked nervous early on but they gained their composure to go into the half-time interval just two behind.
In the second-half, two Jason Forde frees extended Tipp’s advantage to four but the hosts just couldn’t shake John Kiely’s charges. From substitute Paul Browne announcing his arrival from the bench in style to Ronan Maher’s phenomenal sideline cut from well over 70 metres, the quality of the hurling from these two fiercely competitive sides was nothing short of superlative.
Just look at Maher’s sideline below. You can see what he thought of it! Maher’s strike was so pure and so impressive that some on social media were calling for sidelines to be worth two points.
The power, the distance, the strike. What a Sideline from Ronan Maher! pic.twitter.com/Hy7GYm0nwr
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 31, 2018
After Maher clipped over in the 67th-minute, Tipp found themselves 0-26 to 0-22 ahead, but Limerick rallied to draw level. Cian Lynch (2) and Graeme Mulcahy scored to move within one before Tom Morrissey kept his cool under immense pressure to land an equalising free with moments remaining.
Forde wasted no time putting Tipp back in the driving seat straight from the restart in extra-time, finding the back of the net for the night’s first goal, the Silvermines club man gathering a Limerick puckout and firing home. Seven minutes later, he netted for the second time, widening the margin to six points.
Jason Forde wins a Limerick short puck out and executes it! Goal for Tipperary! pic.twitter.com/IxADlhega6
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 31, 2018
Limerick didn’t lie down, of course, Graeme Mulcahy slamming an impressive finish home with three minutes left.
In the end, after a bruising, exhilarating contest, everyone on Twitter was in agreement that they had just witnessed a fantastic game of hurling, just two teams going hammer and tongs and giving us plenty of drama and excitement as a result.
Limerick and Tipperary what a game hurling is in a really good place there are at least 9 teams with a great chance of winning the all Ireland this year #GAA
— Eoin Burke (@Burkillies18) March 31, 2018
Great game of hurling between Tipp and Limerick, Limerick putting it up to Tipp as usual. Tipperary are 24 for 30 chances unreal #GAABEO
— Minister for Spuds at the Dept of Bacon & Cabbage (@FCTwenteBenson) March 31, 2018
Anyone who doesn't think a sideline cut should be worth 2 points needs to have a look at the exhibition Tipp's Ronan Maher is giving on them tonight!! One of the games great skills!! #Tipperary #TippLim #AllianzLeagues #DifferentClass
— John O'Heney (@JpOHeney) March 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/w_harney/status/980168283893780481
https://twitter.com/Woolberto/status/980163234744492032
Serious game tonight between Limerick and Tipperary #AllianzLeagues
— Ryan McCambridge (@RyanMcC955) March 31, 2018
Great game of hurling by both teams #AllianzLeagues #Limerick #tipperary #GAA
— Anna Kinnerk (@AnnaKinnerk) March 31, 2018
