Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Quarter Final preview
May 31, 2011Tipperary v Waterford
Wednesday 1st June, Semple Stadium, 7.30pm
The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Championship is surely set to be the most hotly contested in the history of the competition and this match between Tipperary and Waterford epitomises that feeling. Experts across the country are tentative, loathe to put their necks on the line and there are parties calling this one for both Tipperary and Waterford.
Last time out, back in the 2009 Munster semi final, Waterford beat Tipp with 10 points to spare in Dungarvan. The fact that the match is being played in Thurles may prove the difference this time, although Waterford will be keenly conscious that some of Tipperary's key players, including captain Noel McGrath, were involved in a tough match against Cork in the Senior Championship just two days ago.
All-Ireland Champions Tipperary have four players straddling U-21 and senior level this year, including Noel McGrath in midfield and Brian O'Meara, Paddy Murphy and John O'Neill amongst the forwards. The team to take the field tomorrow night includes seven of the team which started last year's All-Ireland final against Galway.
Waterford can boast seven senior players on their U-21 team including full back Noel Connors, goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe and captain Philip Mahony. A big loss is full forward Maurice Shanahan, who scored 13 points against Tipperary the last time these sides met at this level. He is out with an injured arm.
This is knock-out and Tipperary will be hard pressed to loosen their grip on the Cross of Cashel trophy this early in the year.
Tipperary: 1. P. Ryan, 2. C. Hough, 3. K. O'Gorman, 4. S. Maher, 5. B. Stapleton, 6. J. Barry, 7. P. Heffernan, 8. N. McGrath, 9. J. Gallagher, 10. S. Curran, 11. P. Murphy, 12. B. O'Meara, 13. J. O'Dwyer, 14. A. Ryan, 15. J. O'Neill
Waterford: 1. S. O'Keeffe, 2. J. Barron, 3. N. Connors, 4. P. Prendergast, 5. Philip Mahony, 6. D. Fives, 7. S. Daniels, 8. S. Roche, 9. M. O Neill, 10. E. Murphy, 11. A. Brophy, 12. Padraic Mahony, 13. B. O Sullivan, 14. E. Madigan, 15. J. Dillon Tweet
