Tipperary set up a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland hurling final with a comfortable 3-19 to 1-18 win over Waterford, leaving Tipperary all that now stands to halt Kilkenny’s ‘Drive for Five’.
Two second half goals from Eoin Kelly ensured the final result, and Tipperary thoroughly earned their place in the 2010 all Ireland final.
Both sides were level five times in the opening quarter but Waterfords John Mullane appeared the only real threat to Tipp in the first half. Tipperary’s John O’Brien, restored to the Tipp team during the week, together with Noel McGrath showed their early dominance. Waterford’s full back line struggled to cope with Patrick Maher’s presence and when he sent a long ball into the heart of the Waterford defence, Lar Corbett plucked the ball out of the air to kick it past Clinton Hennessy.
Waterford who trailed at the break (1-11 to 0-8), appeared to offer more support to John Mullane at the beginning of the second half, resulting in scores from Tony Browne, but Eoin Kelly quickly reduced their gains, going on to increase the margin between both teams.
Kelly was quick to react when a sideline ball from poster boy Noel McGrath came across the Waterford goal and a neat flick allowed him the space to fire to target.
The All-Star would later apply the final nail in Waterford’s coffin with the aid of Lar Corbett just 10 minutes from full time and despite a consolation goal from
Waterford finding its way past Tipp goalkeeper Brendan Cummins, the Munster champions were all ready well and truely defeated.
Tipperary Team: Brendan Cummins (Ballybacon-Grange), Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh), Paul Curran (Mullinahone), Michael Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields), Declan Fanning (Killenaule), Conor O’Mahony (Newport), Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Brendan Maher (Borris–Ileigh), Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch), Gearóid Ryan (Templederry Kenyons), Patrick Maher (Lorrha & Dorrha), John O’Brien (Toomevara), Noel McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney), Eoin Kelly (Captain Mullinahone), Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields)
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