Wexford were made to rue their profligacy in Semple Stadium.
The Premier County turned on the style in front of their home Thurles crowd on Saturday evening. Their attacking duo of Jason Forde, who hit 2-9 and John McGrath was on fire. Their defence, aided by the powerhouse that is Pádraic Maher, and abetted by an impressive showing from newcomer Barry Heffernan never looked under too much pressure.
But this is more disappointing for Wexford and for Davy Fitzgerald than anything it is for Tipperary.
In the closing stages, the Yellow Bellies rallied and whittled the gap down to four points. But for the majority of the game, Tipperary were the better side. Wexford’s rally came at a time when Tipperary appeared to be stuck in first gear, and you always had the sense that they had more in reserve – just as ‘Bonner’ Maher’s late goal showed when their lead was under threat.
As we all well know, Wexford were well prepared going into this one. They’ve been training hard, and as panel member Jack Guiney told us on The GAA Hour recently, they’re a step ahead of most other teams in the league in terms of their fitness at this stage.
They defeated Cork and Waterford before this outing, and would have travelled to Thurles with both hopes and expectations of really sticking it to the 2016 All-Ireland champions.
Wherever Wexford are, however, Tipperary are a step ahead.
It’s difficult to be too harsh on Wexford at the same time. They weren’t far off their opponents, and if they took their chances in front of goal, this game would have been a lot tighter.
That, however, is becoming an all too familiar pattern for Wexford in big games – missed chances from open play and missed opportunities from placed balls. Those often make the difference when it comes down to it.
Jason Forde set the tone for the men in blue and gold. He chipped in with a brilliant goal, and alongside him both ‘Bonner’ Maher and John McGrath scored points out of nothing.
Goal for Tipperary’s Jason Forde! pic.twitter.com/vZuRURz5Gw
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 17, 2018
Tipperary did what they were expected to do.
Damien Reck fared well at stages at corner back for Wexford, while Lee Chin, who must have covered every blade of grass also delivered a typically effective performance.
But Wexford were too indisciplined, and Forde made them pay with every placed ball. That was a stark contrast to Wexford, who chopped and changed their free-takers between Lee Chin and Paul Morris, and Chin never appeared confident over his.
Eoin Kelly struck on that point in the eir sport studios, that they need to settle on one free-taker.
"They haven't got it right in the last 12 months" – Eoin Kelly says Wexford need to settle on one free-taker and stick with him. #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/kfCZqDyoFh
— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 17, 2018
This has been a problem for Wexford for a few years now, and they clearly need to find a solid free-taker.
Half-Time between Tipperary and Wexford in Thurles. Check out our GAANOW Highlights here! pic.twitter.com/rlFC69ujk1
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 17, 2018
But Tipperary were full value for this one.
Brendan and Ronan Maher won the battle in midfield. Paudie Feehan is a solid find at half back, and despite a gallant effort from the likes of Aidan Nolan and Kevin Foley of Wexford, Tipperary had too much for them.
This late save from Darragh Mooney was a highlight.
WHAT A SAVE!
Daragh Mooney prevents Conor McDonald from making it a 1 point game in Semple Stadium! #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/OrJrXEVvzH
— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 17, 2018
They went onto win by 3-21 to 1-21.
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