Provincial Underage Championships

[Reillers]

After the undescribable draw between Cork on Tipp Minors, and the outstanding Cork v Tipp U21 game, I felt it only right that I start this topic where U21/minor.etc can be discussed. (If there's one there all ready that I didn't see, by all means delete this topic.)


I was at the Cork Tipp Minor match on Weds night, almost didn't make it, but thank God I did, because that was one of the best minor matches I have ever seen and one of the most enjoyable.
I was going hoping for a win, not expecting to be treated to one of the most entertaining games I've ever seen, at any level. And that's not, in anyway, an exageration.

And 10 goals and 34 points later, it ended 5-17 each at the end of extra time, with the replay to be set for next Weds.

Another classic to add to the Cork v Tipp collection. There have been so many at this stage, and it's great to see, despite everything said and done that there are still classic games between great rivalries.

The game was hard to keep up with all the action as it seemed to be relentless waves of attacks from both teams. It wasn't perfect by any means, there were mistakes, but it was an outstanding game, between 2 of the best minor teams in the country and some of the best most promising players in Ireland. It's unfair that one of these sides wont have the chance to go on and compete for the All Ireland, all the work, and talent of one of the best minor teams in the country, gone to waste because of a stupid draw, just like with the U21 Cork Tipp match. But whichever team does go through, hopefully Cork, should have no problem playing and beating Kilkenny.

The game was really something else. I couldn't do the game justice if I tried, so..(This doesn't either but at least the spelling should be right, lol.)

Cork 5-17 Tipperary 5-17

Round-up by Coilin Duffy

The final pairing for the Munster Minor Hurling Championship is unknown after two cracking semi-finals tonight which saw Cork and Tipperary finish level after-extra-time, while Waterford progressed to the final. After both Cork and Tipperary had produced a cracking under 21 quarter-final at Semple Stadium a few weeks ago, the corresponding minor teams didn't disappoint at Pairc Ui Rinn. Following 80 minutes of pulsating hurling, a replay will be required to separate these sides who finished 5-17 apiece after-extra time.

Amazingly Tipperary led by eight points at approaching half-time in extra-time, but Cork blazed a trail to edge two points in front before a last gasp goal for Tipperary put them back in front. Cork would have the last laugh with an injury time point from a 65′ and the sides must meet again – at a venue likely to be Semple Stadium next week.

This game produced end to end hurling, with Cork leading by the minimum on a 1-07 to 1-06 half-time score-line, with Jamie Coughlan netting the Rebels goal and John O'Dwyer finishing Tipp's three-pointer. Cork began the second half brightly with Eoin O'Sullivan raising a green flag two minutes after the resart.

However Tipperary weren't far from their southern counterparts, with Brian Stapleton adding their second goal, after his move to corner forward reaped dividends. It looked like the visitors had edged their way to a Munster final with a four-point lead late on, but Cork responded with 1-01 without reply.In the second minute of injury time substitute Brian Harnett completed a Rebel hat-trick to force extra-time at 3-12 to 2-15.

Tipperary looked unstoppable in the first period with David Butler and David Collins netting goals as they held a 4-17 to 3-13 half-time lead, having played against the  wind. Cork however had other ideas on the restart, and left Tipperary shellshocked as an eight-point deficit quickly was wiped out to ensure the Rebels led by two. However, Tipperary struck for a late goal before Cork's final point from a 65′ to ensure a replay date.

It was a hell of a game, and a complete privilage to have seen it, can't wait for the replay.

[Reillers]

At Cusack Park, Ennis a brace of second half goals ensured a Waterford victory by 3-09 to 0-12, after Clare were held to just three points in the closing 30 minutes.

Waterford may have bagged an early first half goal, but Clare held command after 20 minutes by 0-07 to 1-01.

There was little to talk about on the score-sheet before the interval with Clare outscoring the Decies by two points to one in the closing minutes of the half.

However the hosts were firmly on the backfoot on the restart as Waterford bagged two quick-fire goals and showed no mercy to finish with a hard-earned six-point win
   

[deiseach]

Wacky system in Munster this year. Waterford lost to Clare in the first round then played the other losers from the first round (Limerick) for the right to meet, uh, Clare in the semi-final. So after one win each in two matches against each other, Clare go out and Waterford go the final where they will probably be massacred by the winners of that Tipp-Cork replay but we'' take our chances and we have the back door as well. Not really fair on Clare or on my wife - we'll have to be there extra early on Munster final day

[Bord na Mona man]

Wacky system in Munster this year. Waterford lost to Clare in the first round then played the other losers from the first round (Limerick) for the right to meet, uh, Clare in the semi-final. So after one win each in two matches against each other, Clare go out and Waterford go the final where they will probably be massacred by the winners of that Tipp-Cork replay but we'' take our chances and we have the back door as well. Not really fair on Clare or on my wife - we'll have to be there extra early on Munster final day

First Waterford win in Munster since the start of the 90s?

[INDIANA]

1991 I think. Not before time- badly badly needed.

[AZOffaly]

Well done Waterford. Good to see.

[deiseach]

1992 was our last win. Some fella called Flynn was the pick of that bunch.

It was really uplifting seeing yesterday's match. There wasn't any point when Tipperary were on top. Waterford were always the marginally better team and slowly tightened their grip. Having grown up with Waterford having to win big matches by blowing teams away for a 10-15 minute period then hanging on for dear life in the other 55-60 minutes, it was most refreshing. Well done to all concerned.

(An aside. One of the Waterford minior selectors is Michael Walsh who moonlights as the Waterford city manager, i.e. the guy who really runs the city council. A disgrace to fat cats everywhere!)

[Reillers]

Well done to Waterford, very much deserved. Tipp, God knows what happened Tipp. It's like this knock on affect or something. Cork were amazing in the first Tipp v Cork game, probably should have won it but it went to a draw in extra time so there was a replay, then Cork were a shadow of themselves against Tipp the next day, while Tipp were brilliant, Tipp then were a shadow of themselves against Waterford, while Waterford were very good.

Anyway, well done to Waterford, great to see that it's not just Cork and Tipp taking it home. Well done and fair play.