Tipperary 1-28 (31pts) – Wexford 3-20 (29pts)
For the sixth time in 11 years, Tipperary will again face neighbouring county Kilkenny in the 2019 All-Ireland hurling final decider, set for August 18th next, following their amazing semi-final win over Wexford at Croke Park, Dublin, this afternoon.
Manager Davy Fitzgerald’s team had led by two points at half-time, [1-14 (17pts) to 1-12 (15 pts)], with the Wexford men producing what seemed true winning form. However, Tipperary would inch into the lead within just five minutes of the second half, courtesy of Jason Forde and John O’Dwyer.
Early on in the second half, Tipperary forward John McGrath received a ‘Red Card’; his second of the game, for what was perceived as a needless strike on Wexford’s versatile player Damien Reck, thus reducing the Tipperary squad to continue today’s game with only 14 men.
A further goal from Wexford’s Lee Chin soon turned the tide back in Wexford’s favour. A second goal from Wexford’s Conor McDonald seemed to have finally decided the outcome.
But, the Tipperary squad of 14 showed their fitness and true character right up to the final whistle, in front of a raucous crowd of over 61,000 fans, accurately targeting seven of their last nine points, using the fresh legs of substitutes Ger Browne, Willie Connors, Mark Kehoe and Jake Morris, to seal a truly unforgettable conquest.
In a repeat of 2016, Tipperary will now meet Kilkenny in three weeks, to decide the 2019 All-Ireland Hurling Final; the venue Croke Park, Dublin.
Today’s Tipperary Team:
Brian Hogan (Lorrha-Dorrha); Cathal Barrett (Holycross-Ballycahill); Seamus Kennedy (St Mary’s Clonmel); Barry Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg); Brendan Maher & Dan McCormack (both Borris-Ileigh); Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields); Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields); Noel McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney); Michael Breen (Ballina); John O’Dwyer (Killenaule); Niall O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs); Jason Forde (Silvermines); Capt. Séamus Callanan (Drom-Inch) and John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney).
Come on Tipp.