Tipperary SHC: Loughmore dethroned by Toome
October 06, 2008
Munster club champions Loughmore-Castleiney were sent crashing out of the Tipperary SHC by Toomevara in an exciting semi-final at Semple Stadium.
Two late points from Willie Ryan sealed a 0-17 to 0-13 victory for the Greyhounds who will have to wait another week to find out who their final opponents are after Thurles Sarsfields and Clonoulty-Rossmore drew 1-14 to 0-17 in the other semi-final.
Loughmore opened brightly and led by three points before Toomevara drew level on 0-7 apiece after 26 minutes. Points from John O'Brien and Willie Ryan gave the North Tipp side a 0-9 to 0-7 lead at the break.
Toome were never behind in the second half, though Loughmore pushed them all the way. With four minutes remaining, only a point separated the sides, but Toome finished the stronger with a brace of points from Ryan and another from John O'Brien copperfastening their victory.
County minor Thomas Butler's last-gasp point earned Clonoulty-Rossmore a second bite at the cherry in the other semi-final. Favourites Thurles led by 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time thanks to a Pa Bourke goal from a 20-metre free in the 29th minute, but Clonoulty were twice denied goals by excellent saves from Sarsfields goalkeeper Pat McCormack.
The sides were level on 1-10 to 0-13 with 10 minutes remaining, but then Sarsfields scores three points on the trot courtesy of Richie Ruth and Pa Bourke (two). Points from Timmy Hammersley (two) and John Devane levelled once again before Lar Corbett looked to have given Thurles the win. However, Butler's point in the final minute saved the day for Clonoulty.
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