Reigning All Ireland champions Kilkenny failed to show previous form against old rivals Tipperary, in this afternoon’s re-fixed Allianz NHL Division 1 hurling clash in Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Paidraig Maher Tipperary reaches high against Kilkenny
This long awaited game took place under pleasant Spring sunshine on the third time of asking. Two previous attempts having being cancelled because of heavy snowy conditions forcing last minute postponement.
This afternoon a 20,000 plus following were admitted free of charge to the mecca of Tipperary Hurling, which saw both teams meet for the first time since Kilkenny retained the All-Ireland title back last September.
Tipperary captain Eoin Kelly and Padraic Maher were in top form with the latter immersed in a most entertaining battle with Kilkenny’s Eoin Larkin for most of the match.
Noel McGrath’s pass to Eoin Kelly, found the Kilkenny goal before half time to put Tipp in the lead 1-06 to Kilkenny’s 0-06.
Despite finding their rhythm early in the second half , Kilkenny were not as accurate as one would expect and ran up a series of consecutive wides.
John Mulhall managed to close the gap to two points for Kilkenny, but Jody Brennan and McGrath put the icing on the cake for Tipperary with late points to secure Tipp’s four-point win.
However it was the accuracy of Tipperary Capt Eoin Kelly, who continued throughout the game, to enhance the score board for Tipperary, with a final personal tally of 1-7.
Final Score: Tipperary 1-14 – Kilkenny 0-13
Picture courtesy J.O’Loughlin
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