All-Ireland MHC semi-final: Tipp's treble bid ended by Cats
August 10, 2008
Kilkenny moved within 60 minutes of their first All-Ireland minor hurling title since 2003 following an impressive victory over three-in-a-row chasing Tipperary at Croke Park.
Kilkenny...3-17
Tipperary..1-14
It was a case of third time lucky for Richie Mulrooney's young charges, who had lost to Tipperary at the same stage in the previous two seasons. Half forwards Joe Brennan and Walter Walsh were inspirational for the Cats, scoring 0-8 (0-4 from play) and 2-1 respectively, as Kilkenny ran out comfortable winners.
Tipp captain Noel McGrath, who was bidding to win his third All-Ireland minor medal this year, scored 0-9, but had a 17th minute penalty saved before Kieran Shelley pointed the rebound.
The Premier boys established an early 0-6 to 0-3 lead, only for Kilkenny to hit back with a 14th minute goal from the fast-reacting Walsh after Brennan's penalty had been superbly saved by Bill McCormack. Walsh grabbed his second goal in the 20th minute to give the Cats a 2-6 to 0-8 interval lead.
Kilkenny upped the ante after the resumption and opened up a 3-15 to 0-13 lead with 11 minutes remaining. Corner forward Martin Gaffney's 49th minute goal ended the game as a contest, although Tipp did manage a consolation strike from substitute Kieran Morris with seven minutes left.
Kilkenny - E. Murphy; D. Healy, M. Walsh, A. Cuddihy; C. Fogarty, R. Doyle, M. Moloney; C. Kenny 0-3, J. Gannon 0-1; J. Brennan 0-8, W. Walsh 2-1, R. Hickey 0-1; M. O'Dwyer, T. Breen 0-2, M. Gaffney 1-0. Subs - P. McCarthy 0-1 for O'Dwyer, C. Maher for Fogarty, D. Purcell for M. Gaffney.
Tipperary - B. McCormack; L. Butler, K. O'Gorman, S. O'Brien; L. Burke, A. Ryan, J. Barry; P. Acheson, J. Gallagher; N. McGrath 0-9, C. Lorigan, P. Murphy; J. O'Neill 0-1, T. Butler 0-2, K. Shelly 0-1. Subs - R. Gleeson 0-1 for Gallagher, J. O'Dwyer for O'Neill, M. Sheedy for Lorigan, K. Morris 1-0 for Murphy.
Ref - A. Kelly (Galway).
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